Catawba County Soil Data
Catawba County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Gravelly sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Catawba County, North Carolina
Slightly Acidic Gravelly Loams
Catawba features Ultisols with a dominant gravelly sandy loam texture. The average pH of 5.64 is less acidic than the state average of 5.14, though it still trails the national 6.5 median.
Sandy Texture with Gravelly Structure
The soil is composed of 56% sand, 25.1% silt, and 17.3% clay. This high sand and gravel content creates a coarse texture that prevents compaction and allows for easy tilling.
Moderate Fertility and Water Retention
Organic matter is low at 1.17%, which is significantly under the 5.12% state average. The available water capacity of 0.129 in/in is also slightly lower than the state's 0.134 in/in benchmark.
Excellent Drainage in Group B
The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This ensures that even during heavy Piedmont rains, the water moves through the gravelly profile quickly to prevent flooding.
Early Spring Planting in Zone 8a
Catawba sits in zone 8a, where sandy soils warm up fast in the spring. These conditions are perfect for root crops like carrots or radishes, especially if you supplement the soil with organic compost.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Gravelly sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Catawba County have?
Catawba County's soil is classified as Gravelly sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 56% sand, 25% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Catawba County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Catawba County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Catawba County?
Catawba County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Catawba County's soil?
Based on Catawba County's Gravelly sandy loam texture, pH of 5.6, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Catawba County?
Catawba County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Catawba County
Soil Verdict
Catawba 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
Catawba County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Catawba 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.