Lincoln County Soil Data

Lincoln County, North Carolina

Avg pH

5.6

Texture

Sandy Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.1%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Lincoln County, North Carolina

Moderate Acidity in the Piedmont

Lincoln County's soil pH is 5.59, which is less acidic than the state average of 5.14 but still below the national 6.5 median. This level is relatively high for North Carolina, providing a slightly better starting point for many plants.

Solid Structure with More Clay

The soil mix includes 54.6% sand and 18.3% clay, providing more structural stability than sandier coastal regions. This texture holds onto nutrients better than pure sand but remains easier to till than heavy mountain clays.

Average Water Retention, Low Carbon

Organic matter is low at 1.13%, falling below both state and national benchmarks. However, the available water capacity of 0.133 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, providing reliable moisture for crops.

Stable Ground for Local Use

Official drainage data is not currently available for this area. Based on the 18.3% clay content, the soil likely provides moderate drainage that supports most agricultural and building activities without major issues.

Summer Favorites in Zone 8a

Zone 8a provides a robust growing environment for staples like corn, tomatoes, and beans. Improving the low organic matter with compost will significantly boost the productivity of any Lincoln County garden.

Soil Composition

Sandy Loam
Sand: 54.6%
Silt: 24.3%
Clay: 18.3%
Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.6pH
5.58968395581186
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 Lincoln County have?

Lincoln County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 24% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Lincoln County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Lincoln 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 Lincoln County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Lincoln County.

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

Based on Lincoln 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 Lincoln County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Lincoln 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.