Jackson County Soil Data
Jackson County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
18.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jackson County, North Carolina
Very Acidic Mountain Highlands
Jackson County features very acidic soil with a pH of 4.87, falling well below the North Carolina average of 5.14. Although taxonomic records are sparse, this sharp acidity defines the high-elevation Appalachian terrain.
Light Texture and Low Clay
The ground consists of 45.0% sand and only 11.7% clay, which is a lighter mix than many Piedmont neighbors. This low clay percentage suggests the soil is easy to turn but may struggle to hold onto heavy minerals.
Exceptional Organic Wealth
Organic matter is exceptionally high at 18.30%, dwarfing the state average of 5.12% and the national 2.0% mark. This rich carbon content offsets a slightly lower available water capacity of 0.125 in/in by improving soil structure.
Naturally Regulated Moisture
Specific drainage class data is currently limited for this mountain county. Local growers find that the high organic matter helps regulate moisture naturally, preventing the soil from drying out too quickly on sloped terrain.
Perfect for Cool-Weather Crops
Located in Zone 7a, the county is ideal for cool-weather favorites like apples, ramps, and berries. Gardeners should embrace the massive organic matter reserves to build a flourishing mountain homestead.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jackson County have?
Jackson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 20% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jackson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jackson County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Jackson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jackson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jackson County's soil?
Based on Jackson County's Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Jackson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jackson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jackson County
Soil Verdict
Jackson County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Jackson County is somewhat cooler than the North Carolina statewide average. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jackson 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.