Harnett County Soil Data
Harnett County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Harnett County, North Carolina
Sandhill-Influenced Acidic Earth
Harnett County’s soil pH of 5.18 sits right at the state average of 5.14, representing a typical acidic North Carolina profile. This is far from the national median of 6.5, meaning soil amendments are a standard part of local agriculture. The county earns a soil score of 14.7, reflecting the challenges of its high sand content.
High Sand, Low Clay Composition
With a composition of 68.9% sand and only 10.2% clay, Harnett possesses some of the sandiest soil in the region. This texture allows for excellent aeration but offers very little in the way of natural nutrient storage. The 20.9% silt helps provide some minimal structure to prevent total erosion.
Limited Water and Nutrient Storage
The soil contains just 1.61% organic matter, trailing the state average of 5.12%. Available water capacity is also low at 0.109 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.134. Plants in this soil will experience drought stress faster than those in neighboring counties without supplemental watering.
Rapid Drainage for Arid Gardening
The extremely high sand percentage suggests a very fast drainage rate, which is ideal for avoiding standing water. This makes the soil excellent for building foundations but difficult for moisture-loving plants. Landscapers should prioritize drought-tolerant species that can handle the quick-drying nature of this terrain.
Start Your Sandhill Garden
In Zone 8a, Harnett is perfect for heat-loving crops that prefer well-drained feet, such as okra and lavender. Succulents and native pines also perform exceptionally well in these sandy conditions. Adding mulch will help your garden retain the moisture that the natural soil struggles to hold.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Harnett County have?
Harnett County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 69% sand, 21% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Harnett County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Harnett County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Harnett County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Harnett County.
What crops or plants grow well in Harnett County's soil?
Based on Harnett County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Harnett County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Harnett County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Harnett County
Soil Verdict
Harnett 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
Harnett County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Harnett 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.