Hoke County Soil Data
Hoke County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hoke County, North Carolina
Acidic and Sandy Sandhill Soils
Hoke County has a soil pH of 5.02, falling below both the state average of 5.14 and the national median of 6.5. This acidic profile is paired with a soil score of 15.8, indicating significant natural limitations for standard agriculture. Most growers will need to actively manage soil chemistry to find success.
Extreme Sand-Dominant Profile
At 75.3% sand, Hoke has one of the highest sand concentrations in the state, with only 9.1% clay and 15.6% silt. This texture is very loose and offers excellent aeration but struggles to provide structural support or nutrient storage. It is essentially an inland beach environment for plant roots.
Low Moisture Holding Potential
The organic matter content is 2.05%, which beats the national average but is less than half of the state average. Most critically, the available water capacity is very low at 0.097 in/in, significantly under the state average of 0.134. This soil dries out extremely fast, making irrigation a necessity for most crops.
Fastest Drainage in the Region
Water moves through Hoke’s 75.3% sand almost instantly, creating a very dry hydrologic environment. While this means you will almost never see a puddle, it also means nutrients leach away quickly after rain. Builders appreciate the stability of these dry sands, but farmers must work hard to keep plants hydrated.
Zone 8a Heat and Sand
Hoke's Zone 8a climate and sandy soil are ideal for native Longleaf Pines and drought-tolerant herbs like rosemary. Watermelons and grapes also tend to favor these well-drained, sandy conditions. With a bit of mulch and regular watering, you can turn this sandy terrain into a thriving landscape.
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: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hoke County have?
Hoke County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 75% sand, 16% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hoke County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hoke County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Hoke County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hoke County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hoke County's soil?
Based on Hoke County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Hoke County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hoke County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hoke 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.