Jones County Soil Data

Jones County, North Carolina

Avg pH

4.8

Texture

Sandy Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

5.1%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Jones County, North Carolina

Strongly Acidic Coastal Soil

Jones County has a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 4.78. This measurement is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.14, impacting nutrient availability.

Coarse Sand and Silt Mix

The composition is dominated by 62.3% sand and 21.1% silt, with a relatively low clay content of 10.8%. This sandy mix provides excellent drainage but requires careful fertilizer management to prevent nutrient loss.

Healthy Carbon and Water Capacity

Organic matter measures a healthy 5.06%, which aligns closely with the North Carolina state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.140 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a reliable moisture buffer.

Resilient Hydrologic Properties

Formal drainage class data is unavailable, but the high sand content naturally promotes quick infiltration. Combined with high water capacity, this soil stays moist without becoming easily waterlogged.

Warm Winters in Zone 8b

In Hardiness Zone 8b, the county enjoys a warm climate suitable for long-season crops like peanuts and melons. The respectable organic matter provides a great foundation for any new gardening project.

Soil Composition

Sandy Loam
Sand: 62.3%
Silt: 21.1%
Clay: 10.8%
Sandy Loam

Soil pH

4.8pH
4.78258288584871
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Jones County have?

Jones County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 21% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Jones County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Jones 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 Jones County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Jones County.

What crops or plants grow well in Jones County's soil?

Based on Jones County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Jones County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Jones County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.