Clay County Soil Data
Clay County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Clay County, North Carolina
Acidic Mountain Soils in Clay
Clay County has a pH of 4.93, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.14. This mountain soil is significantly lower than the national median pH of 6.5.
Silty and Smooth Soil Texture
The soil is composed of 44.8% sand, 27.1% silt, and 13.8% clay. This balanced mix avoids the heavy feel of high-clay soils while providing more structure than pure sand.
Rich Organic Matter and Solid Capacity
Organic matter is exceptionally high at 12.16%, more than doubling the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.133 in/in sits right at the North Carolina average.
Healthy Soil Structure for Mountains
Official drainage class data for the county is currently limited. The high organic content generally indicates a soil that allows for good water infiltration and protects against erosion on sloped terrain.
Lush Gardens in Zone 7b
Zone 7b combined with rich organic matter makes this a gardener's paradise for native shrubs and vegetables. You can rely on the natural fertility here to support a wide variety of plants with minimal effort.
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 Clay County have?
Clay County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 27% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Clay County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clay County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Clay County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Clay County.
What crops or plants grow well in Clay County's soil?
Based on Clay County's Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Clay County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Clay County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clay 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.