Caldwell County Soil Data
Caldwell County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Caldwell County, North Carolina
Classic Acidic Piedmont Soil
Caldwell County features a pH of 5.10, which is virtually identical to the state average of 5.14. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the North Carolina foothills.
Medium Texture for Versatile Use
The soil contains 52.6% sand, 23.3% silt, and 15.2% clay. This balanced, medium texture is relatively easy to work with a garden tiller while providing enough clay to retain essential minerals.
Robust Organic Nutrients
Caldwell's organic matter is impressive at 8.70%, far exceeding the state average of 5.12%. With an available water capacity of 0.132 in/in, the soil sits right at the state benchmark for moisture retention.
Effective Natural Drainage
While specific drainage and hydrologic groups are not listed, the sand-to-clay ratio indicates a well-functioning drainage system. This prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged during heavy rains while keeping enough moisture for plant health.
Garden-Ready in Zone 8a
Caldwell's 37.8 soil score and 8a hardiness zone make it a top choice for growing leafy greens and azaleas. Your garden will benefit greatly from the high organic content found throughout the county.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Caldwell County have?
Caldwell County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 23% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Caldwell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Caldwell County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Caldwell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Caldwell County.
What crops or plants grow well in Caldwell County's soil?
Based on Caldwell County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Caldwell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Caldwell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Caldwell County
Soil Verdict
Caldwell County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Caldwell County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Caldwell County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in North Carolina
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.