Madison County Soil Data
Madison County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Madison County, North Carolina
Madison County's Naturally Acidic Mountain Soil
Madison County soil features a highly acidic average pH of 4.71, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. While regional taxonomic data is limited, the soil score of 37.0 suggests a profile that outperforms the state average of 29.4 despite its acidity.
A Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt
The local soil consists of 43.6% sand, 27.5% silt, and 14.9% clay. This mixture provides a solid foundation for plant roots while ensuring the soil remains workable for local farmers.
Exceptional Organic Matter and Growth Potential
With an organic matter content of 10.14%, Madison County nearly doubles the North Carolina state average of 5.12%. Its available water capacity of 0.137 in/in also sits slightly above the state norm, promising high fertility for mountain agriculture.
Reliable Water Movement in the Highlands
Specific drainage class data is unavailable for this region, but the 43.6% sand content suggests steady drainage through the profile. The available water capacity confirms that the soil retains enough moisture to support consistent plant growth during drier spells.
Gardening in Hardiness Zone 7a
Madison County's 7a climate and rich organic matter are perfect for cool-weather crops like kale, potatoes, and berries. Start your garden today to take advantage of these nutrient-dense mountain soils.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Madison County have?
Madison County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 27% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Madison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Madison County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Madison County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Madison County.
What crops or plants grow well in Madison County's soil?
Based on Madison County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Madison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Madison County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Madison 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.