Edgecombe County Soil Data
Edgecombe County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Edgecombe County, North Carolina
Acidic soils of the Coastal Plain
Edgecombe County soil is notably acidic with a pH of 4.94, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This level is also lower than the North Carolina state average of 5.14, necessitating lime for most traditional crops.
A sandy foundation for Edgecombe
The soil is comprised of 67.0% sand, 22.3% silt, and 10.8% clay. This high sand percentage allows for excellent workability but means the ground dries out much faster than heavier soils.
Modest organic levels in local fields
Organic matter sits at 2.33%, which is higher than the national 2.0% average but less than half the state average of 5.12%. With an available water capacity of 0.125 in/in, irrigation is often necessary during dry spells.
Fast-draining earth and water flow
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the 67.0% sand content suggests rapid water movement through the profile. Farmers and builders should account for this permeability when planning irrigation or drainage systems.
Warm seasons in Zone 8a
Edgecombe falls into hardiness zone 8a, which is ideal for heat-loving crops like cotton and sweet potatoes. The long growing season provides a great window for a productive backyard vegetable garden.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Edgecombe County have?
Edgecombe County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 67% sand, 22% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Edgecombe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Edgecombe County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Edgecombe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Edgecombe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Edgecombe County's soil?
Based on Edgecombe County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Edgecombe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Edgecombe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Edgecombe County
Soil Verdict
Edgecombe County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Edgecombe County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Edgecombe 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.