Cherokee County Soil Data
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
16.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cherokee County, North Carolina
Mountain Soils with Sharp Acidity
Cherokee County features very acidic soils with an average pH of 4.83. This is significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.14 and falls far below the national 6.5 median.
Fine Texture and Low Clay
The soil contains 41% sand and 26.2% silt, but only 11.9% clay. This creates a fine-grained soil that resists the heavy, sticky characteristics found in other parts of the state.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
The organic matter content is a massive 16.63%, more than triple the state average of 5.12%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.125 in/in, which is slightly below the state norm.
High Organic Content Aids Infiltration
Detailed drainage classifications are currently unavailable for this county. However, the high organic matter suggests a spongy soil structure that allows for healthy root development and air movement.
Perfect for Acid-Loving Plants
In hardiness zone 7b, this high-organic, acidic soil is perfect for blueberries and azaleas. You have a natural advantage for forest-style gardening without needing much additional fertilizer.
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 Cherokee County have?
Cherokee County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 26% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cherokee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cherokee County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Cherokee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cherokee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cherokee County's soil?
Based on Cherokee County's Loam texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Cherokee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cherokee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cherokee 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.