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Davie County Soil Data

Davie County, North Carolina

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Avg pH

5.7

Texture

Fine sandy loam

Drainage

Well drained

Organic Matter

1.2%

Hydrologic Group

C

Data Story

About Soil in Davie County, North Carolina

Fine sandy loams of the Alfisol order

Davie County soil consists of fine sandy loams from the Alfisol order with a pH of 5.69. This is significantly less acidic than the state average of 5.14, though still lower than the national median of 6.5.

The perfect middle ground for drainage

With 53.6% sand, 27.1% silt, and 17.7% clay, this soil offers an ideal balance. It provides enough clay to store nutrients while the high sand and silt content prevent it from becoming overly compacted.

Higher water capacity than state average

While organic matter is low at 1.22% compared to the state's 5.12%, the available water capacity is strong at 0.136 in/in. This means the soil is efficient at capturing and holding onto rainfall for your plants.

Reliable well-drained hydrologic group C

The county’s well-drained classification and hydrologic group C status indicate moderate infiltration. This setup is generally ideal for residential gardening and prevents the root rot common in heavier, wetter soils.

Cooler winters in Zone 7b

Davie sits in Zone 7b, making it great for hardy greens and fruit trees like peaches. Focus on soil health by adding organic mulch, and you'll see your Piedmont garden thrive.

Soil Composition

Fine sandy loam
Sand: 53.6%
Silt: 27.1%
Clay: 17.7%
Fine sandy loam

Soil pH

5.7pH
5.6875796137422
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Group C — Moderate-High Runoff

Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.

Runoff potential:Moderate-High

Drainage Class

Well drained

Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Fine sandy loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Acidic Soil Detected

Your county's average pH is 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.

Browse Soil Amendments

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Davie County have?

Davie County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 27% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Davie County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Davie County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Davie County?

Davie County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.

What crops or plants grow well in Davie County's soil?

Based on Davie County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 5.7, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.

What USDA soil order is found in Davie County?

Davie County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.

Soil & Planting Advisory: Davie County

Soil Verdict

Davie County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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

Davie County is somewhat cooler than the North Carolina statewide average.

Other Counties in North Carolina

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.