Lee County Soil Data
Lee County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lee County, North Carolina
A North Carolina Benchmark pH
Lee County's soil pH of 5.13 almost perfectly matches the state average of 5.14. It remains much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for the state's weathered geological formations.
Balanced Texture for Easy Tilling
The soil contains 57.0% sand and 27.5% silt, leaving clay at a modest 12.7%. This balance provides a manageable texture that isn't as heavy or difficult to work as the high-clay soils found elsewhere in the Piedmont.
Low Organic Matter and Retention
Organic matter is low at 1.25%, which is less than a quarter of the state average of 5.12%. With an available water capacity of 0.118 in/in, the soil dries out faster than the state norm of 0.134 in/in.
Managing Lean Moisture Levels
No specific data exists for dominant drainage classes in this county. Gardeners should focus on building up soil structure with organic amendments to improve the currently low water and nutrient retention.
Versatile Growing in Zone 8a
Zone 8a offers a generous window for growing everything from summer squash to fall brassicas. Success here depends on mulching to protect the soil from drying out in the intense summer heat.
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 Lee County have?
Lee County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 28% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lee County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lee County's soil?
Based on Lee County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Lee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lee 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.