Columbus County Soil Data
Columbus County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Columbus County, North Carolina
Acidic Coastal Soils in Columbus
Columbus County has an acidic soil pH of 4.99, which is lower than the state average of 5.14. This acidity is a characteristic of coastal plain environments and is much lower than the 6.5 national median.
High Sand for Easy Working
The soil is overwhelmingly sandy at 66.3%, with only 10.3% clay. This makes for a very loose, workable soil that doesn't get sticky or hard even after heavy rain.
Strong Organic Content and Water Storage
Organic matter is solid at 4.71%, nearly reaching the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.129 in/in is just below the state average, providing a decent buffer for crops.
Rapid Drainage in Sandy Fields
While specific drainage data is unavailable, the 66% sand content suggests very rapid water movement. This minimizes the risk of root rot but requires diligent monitoring of soil moisture during dry spells.
A Long Growing Season in Zone 8b
Residing in hardiness zone 8b, Columbus offers one of the longest growing seasons in the state. The sandy soil is perfect for sweet potatoes and melons, which thrive in warm, well-drained conditions.
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 Columbus County have?
Columbus County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 66% sand, 21% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Columbus County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Columbus 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 Columbus County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Columbus County.
What crops or plants grow well in Columbus County's soil?
Based on Columbus 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 Columbus County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Columbus County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Columbus 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.