Iredell County Soil Data
Iredell County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Iredell County, North Carolina
Moderately Acidic Piedmont Soil
Iredell soils show an average pH of 5.61, which is higher than the North Carolina average of 5.14 but below the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is currently limited, this acidic profile reflects the mineral-rich history of the region.
A Balanced Sandy-Clay Mix
The soil contains 57.8% sand and 19.1% clay, creating a texture that is easy to work while maintaining structural integrity. This combination allows for decent drainage without the extreme leaching found in coastal areas.
Lower Organic Matter but Average Capacity
Organic matter sits at 1.44%, trailing both the state average of 5.12% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.135 in/in matches the state average, ensuring plants stay hydrated during dry periods.
Practical Management for Heavy Rainfall
Official drainage class and hydrologic data are not available for this specific dataset. Gardeners should monitor local runoff patterns, as the 19.1% clay content can sometimes lead to surface compaction after heavy rains.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a
Zone 8a supports a long growing season for heat-tolerant crops like peppers and sweet potatoes. Adding compost will help compensate for low organic matter and kickstart a productive backyard 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 Iredell County have?
Iredell County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 22% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Iredell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Iredell County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Iredell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Iredell County.
What crops or plants grow well in Iredell County's soil?
Based on Iredell County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Iredell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Iredell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Iredell 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.