Martin County Soil Data
Martin County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.8
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Martin County, North Carolina
Sandy Foundations and Low pH
Martin County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 4.80, falling well below the national median of 6.5. Though taxonomic order data is currently unavailable, the county holds a soil score of 31.6, which is slightly better than the North Carolina average.
Sandy Texture Dominates the Profile
The soil composition is 66.6% sand, 21.1% silt, and 12.2% clay. This high sand percentage ensures the ground is easy to till but may require more frequent watering to keep plants hydrated.
Moderate Fertility and Water Storage
Organic matter sits at 4.60%, slightly trailing the state average of 5.12%. However, an available water capacity of 0.137 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.134, providing a decent reservoir for growing crops.
Rapid Drainage for Coastal Plain Farming
While specific drainage classes are not recorded here, the 66.6% sand content indicates high permeability and rapid drainage. This profile is excellent for avoiding root rot but requires careful management of mobile nutrients.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a
Warm-season crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes thrive in Martin County's sandy 8a environment. The long growing season provides a perfect opportunity for both commercial farmers and backyard gardeners to succeed.
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 Martin County have?
Martin County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 67% sand, 21% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Martin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Martin 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 Martin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Martin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Martin County's soil?
Based on Martin 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 Martin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Martin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Martin 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.