Gates County Soil Data
Gates County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Gates County, North Carolina
Deeply acidic Coastal Plain earth
Gates County features a very acidic pH of 4.67, which is notably lower than the state average of 5.14. This soil is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, favoring acid-loving native species.
Sandy soil with high silt
The soil is 59.9% sand and 25.0% silt, with only 12.3% clay. This allows for rapid water infiltration, though the silt content adds a layer of smoothness and moisture retention not found in pure sand.
Rich organic matter in Gates
Organic matter is high at 7.40%, easily surpassing the state average of 5.12% and the national 2.0% benchmark. This richness contributes to an excellent available water capacity of 0.142 in/in.
High moisture potential for farming
Official drainage data is limited, but the high organic content acts like a sponge for the county's water. This combination of sand and organic material creates a highly productive environment for regional agriculture.
Abundant growth in Zone 8a
Zone 8a allows for a diverse range of crops, including peanuts and diverse woodland plants. The high organic levels make this some of the best soil in the region for a home 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Gates County have?
Gates County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 25% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Gates County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Gates County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Gates County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Gates County.
What crops or plants grow well in Gates County's soil?
Based on Gates County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Gates County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Gates County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Gates 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.