Chowan County Soil Data
Chowan County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Chowan County, North Carolina
Coastal Plain Soils with Standard Acidity
Chowan’s soil pH of 5.02 is typical for the region, sitting just below the state average of 5.14. It is much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is common for coastal environments.
Dominantly Sandy Coastal Texture
The soil is very sandy at 61.4%, with 22.9% silt and only 9.5% clay. This creates a light, loose soil that is exceptionally easy to dig and cultivate.
Productive and High in Organic Matter
Organic matter is strong at 5.48%, which exceeds the North Carolina average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.137 in/in also beats the state average, making this very productive soil.
Fast-Draining Sandy Profiles
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the 61% sand content indicates very rapid drainage. This prevents waterlogged roots but means you may need to water more frequently during heat waves.
Peanuts and Potatoes in Zone 8a
The sandy, high-organic soil in zone 8a is ideal for root crops and peanuts. Gardeners will appreciate how quickly this soil warms up in the spring, allowing for an early start to the season.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Chowan County have?
Chowan County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 61% sand, 23% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chowan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chowan County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Chowan County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Chowan County.
What crops or plants grow well in Chowan County's soil?
Based on Chowan County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Chowan County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Chowan County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Chowan 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.