Carteret County Soil Data
Carteret County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Carteret County, North Carolina
Acidic Sands of the Coast
Carteret County soil shows a pH of 5.12, matching the state average but trailing the national median of 6.5. This acidic level reflects the maritime environment and the specific minerals found along the coast.
Predominantly Sandy Composition
The soil is 76.1% sand, leaving only 12.9% silt and a very low 6.8% clay. This creates a very loose, beach-like texture where water moves through the ground rapidly.
Surprisingly High Organic Matter
Despite its sandiness, Carteret contains 10.25% organic matter, double the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity is 0.126 in/in, which is slightly below the state average but supported by that high organic content.
Rapid Drainage for Maritime Plants
No specific drainage classes are listed, but the 76.1% sand content indicates very rapid drainage. This prevents standing water but means gardeners must use mulch to keep the soil from drying out in the coastal sun.
Zone 8b Garden Opportunities
Carteret's mild winters in zone 8b are perfect for figs, rosemary, and salt-tolerant shrubs. Take advantage of your high organic matter to build a garden that thrives in this unique, sandy environment.
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: Loamy Sand
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 Carteret County have?
Carteret County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 76% sand, 13% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Carteret County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carteret 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 Carteret County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Carteret County.
What crops or plants grow well in Carteret County's soil?
Based on Carteret County's Loamy Sand 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 Carteret County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Carteret County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Carteret County
Soil Verdict
Carteret County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°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
Carteret County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8b-9a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Carteret 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.