Chatham County Soil Data
Chatham County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Chatham County, North Carolina
Acidic Soils of the Piedmont
Chatham's soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.11. This is very close to the North Carolina average of 5.14 but much lower than the national median of 6.5.
Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The soil contains 45.7% sand and 36.4% silt, with a clay content of 16.4%. While specific texture classes are not mapped, this high silt percentage usually results in a smooth feel and good moisture holding.
High Water Capacity Near the State Average
The organic matter is 1.21%, trailing the state average of 5.12% significantly. However, the available water capacity of 0.146 in/in is impressive, beating the state average of 0.134 in/in.
Managing Moisture in Chatham
Specific drainage and hydrologic data are limited for this area. The relatively high silt and clay percentages suggest the soil holds moisture well, which can be a benefit during dry North Carolina summers.
Thirsty Crops for Zone 8a
Zone 8a offers a long growing season that pairs well with Chatham's high water capacity. Thirsty vegetables like tomatoes and peppers will thrive here if you boost the low organic matter with leaf mold or manure.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Chatham County have?
Chatham County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 36% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chatham County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chatham 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 Chatham County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Chatham County.
What crops or plants grow well in Chatham County's soil?
Based on Chatham County's 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 Chatham County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Chatham County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Chatham 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.