Currituck County Soil Data
Currituck County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Currituck County, North Carolina
Coastal acidity near the state average
Currituck County features a pH of 5.18, which aligns closely with the North Carolina average of 5.14. Although national medians are higher at 6.5, this level is typical for the state's coastal plain regions.
The sandiest soil in the region
The soil is a heavy 75.9% sand, with very low clay content at 7.2%. This creates a gritty texture that is extremely easy to till but provides very little natural nutrient buffering.
Massive organic deposits fuel potential
Organic matter is remarkably high at 10.40%, more than double the state average of 5.12%. This helps compensate for the sandy texture, though the available water capacity of 0.127 in/in remains slightly below the state mean.
Porous soils require careful watering
No specific hydrologic group is recorded, but the dominance of sand suggests water moves through the profile very quickly. Farmers and gardeners should plan for irrigation systems to prevent crops from wilting in the coastal sun.
Diverse coastal planting in Zone 8b
Currituck’s Zone 8b environment is ideal for everything from figs to summer squash. With a soil score of 39.4, you are working with some of the better-performing ground in the state.
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: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Currituck County have?
Currituck County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 76% sand, 14% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Currituck County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Currituck County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Currituck County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Currituck County.
What crops or plants grow well in Currituck County's soil?
Based on Currituck County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Currituck County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Currituck County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Currituck County
Soil Verdict
Currituck County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°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
Currituck County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-9a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Currituck 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.