Lenoir County Soil Data
Lenoir County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lenoir County, North Carolina
Defined by Acidic Sand
Lenoir County features highly acidic soil with a pH of 4.78 and a dominant texture of sand. This pH level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, signaling a need for lime in most agricultural settings.
Loose, Rapid-Draining Sandy Earth
The soil is remarkably sandy at 68.8%, with clay making up less than 10% of the profile. This creates a very loose, workable earth that drains exceptionally fast but struggles to hold onto water and fertilizers.
Moderate Fertility and Water Store
Organic matter stands at 3.92%, which is respectable compared to the 2.0% national average but lower than the state's 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.126 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.134 in/in.
Natural Aeration for Deep Roots
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the 68.8% sand content naturally promotes quick water movement. This prevents puddling but means plants may require supplemental water during dry spells.
Root Vegetables Love Zone 8a
Zone 8a is ideal for heat-loving crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. The sandy soil is particularly well-suited for root vegetables, which can expand easily in the loose, uncompacted ground.
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: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lenoir County have?
Lenoir County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 69% sand, 19% silt, and 10% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Lenoir County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lenoir 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 Lenoir County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lenoir County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lenoir County's soil?
Based on Lenoir County's Sand texture, pH of 4.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Lenoir County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lenoir County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lenoir County
Soil Verdict
Lenoir County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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. 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.
Regional Context
Lenoir County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-8b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lenoir 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.