Greene County Soil Data
Greene County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Greene County, North Carolina
Greene's acidic and sandy earth
Greene County soil features an acidic pH of 4.75, which is lower than the state average of 5.14. Compared to the national median of 6.5, this soil requires significant buffering for standard garden crops.
The sandiest soil in the region
At 73.3% sand, this is the sandiest soil in the group, with only 9.1% clay. This creates extremely loose, well-aerated soil that is very easy to plow but loses water quickly.
Low water retention challenges
Available water capacity is just 0.113 in/in, the lowest among these counties and well below the state average. Organic matter is 2.21%, which is slightly above the national average of 2.0%.
Rapid drainage and irrigation needs
The 73.3% sand content guarantees rapid drainage, though formal classifications are unavailable. Growers should be prepared for frequent irrigation to keep plants hydrated in this fast-draining environment.
Endless summer in Zone 8a
Hardiness zone 8a offers a long, warm season for peanuts and watermelons that love sandy soil. Start your garden today and enjoy the benefits of this easy-to-work Coastal Plain earth.
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: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Greene County have?
Greene County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 73% sand, 18% silt, and 9% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Greene County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Greene County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Greene County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Greene County.
What crops or plants grow well in Greene County's soil?
Based on Greene County's Sand texture, pH of 4.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Greene County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Greene County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Greene County
Soil Verdict
Greene 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
Greene County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-8b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Greene 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.