Cumberland County Soil Data
Cumberland County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cumberland County, North Carolina
Tougher conditions in Cumberland's acidic earth
Cumberland County has a pH of 4.97, falling below the state average of 5.14 and the national median of 6.5. These acidic conditions require careful management to ensure crops can access essential minerals.
High sand content limits nutrient storage
With 68.9% sand and only 9.5% clay, this soil drains very quickly but struggles to hold onto nutrients. The 18.8% silt provides some structure, but regular fertilization is often necessary for success.
Lower fertility scores than state neighbors
Organic matter sits at 2.79%, which is significantly lower than the North Carolina average of 5.12%. The available water capacity is also below the state benchmark at 0.113 in/in, indicating a need for consistent irrigation.
Naturally dry and ready to build
While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high sand percentage generally points to excellent drainage and low runoff risks. This makes the land stable for construction but challenging for moisture-hungry crops.
Smart gardening in Zone 8a
Cumberland’s Zone 8a climate supports a long growing season for heat-tolerant vegetables like okra and sweet potatoes. Start your garden by adding compost to help improve the soil's organic structure and water retention.
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 Cumberland County have?
Cumberland County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 69% sand, 19% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cumberland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cumberland 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 Cumberland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cumberland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cumberland County's soil?
Based on Cumberland 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 Cumberland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cumberland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cumberland 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.