Cleveland County Soil Data
Cleveland County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cleveland County, North Carolina
Typical Piedmont Soils in Cleveland
The average soil pH here is 5.31, which is slightly less acidic than the North Carolina average of 5.14. However, it still falls well below the national median of 6.5.
Sandy Texture with Notable Clay
Cleveland's soil consists of 53.9% sand and 19% clay. This relatively high clay percentage for the area helps keep the soil from drying out too quickly compared to sandier neighbors.
Lower Organic Matter and Water Storage
At 1.47%, the organic matter is far below the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity is also on the lower side at 0.114 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.134 in/in.
Stable Drainage Characteristics
Specific drainage and hydrologic class data are not currently available for this county. The sand-heavy mix usually suggests that drainage is adequate, though the clay content provides some resistance to rapid water loss.
Heat-Loving Summer Crops for Zone 8a
In hardiness zone 8a, heat-tolerant crops like okra and peppers perform well. To overcome the low organic matter, focus on adding compost to improve the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cleveland County have?
Cleveland County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 24% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cleveland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cleveland County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Cleveland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cleveland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cleveland County's soil?
Based on Cleveland County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Cleveland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cleveland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cleveland County
Soil Verdict
Cleveland 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
Cleveland County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cleveland 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.