Durham County Soil Data
Durham County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Durham County, North Carolina
Moderate acidity in the Research Triangle
Durham County soil has a pH of 5.36, which is actually less acidic than the state average of 5.14. It still trends more acidic than the national 6.5 median, but it is relatively balanced for North Carolina.
Dense silt and clay components
With 49.4% sand and a high 32.4% silt content, Durham’s soil has a finer texture than its coastal neighbors. The 16.3% clay helps with nutrient retention, though it can make the ground feel heavy when wet.
Top-tier water capacity for dry spells
The organic matter is low at 1.35%, but the available water capacity is excellent at 0.144 in/in. This high water storage helps local gardens remain resilient even when the state average is lower at 0.134.
Heavier soils require careful management
Classification data is limited, but the nearly 50% combined silt and clay suggests slower drainage than the coast. Avoid working the soil when it is saturated to prevent compaction and maintain healthy root zones.
Resilient gardening in Zone 8a
Zone 8a is perfect for perennial herbs and robust vegetables like kale and peppers. Focus on adding organic amendments to loosen the silty texture and your Durham garden will reward you.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Durham County have?
Durham County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 32% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Durham County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Durham County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Durham County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Durham County.
What crops or plants grow well in Durham County's soil?
Based on Durham County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Durham County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Durham County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Durham 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.