Mecklenburg County Soil Data
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Urban Soils with Moderate Acidity
Mecklenburg County shows an average pH of 5.41, making it less acidic than many neighboring counties though still below the national 6.5 median. Despite the urbanization, its soil score of 18.7 reflects the challenges of managing Piedmont land.
Sandy Clay Loam Characteristics
The soil mix contains 54.1% sand, 24.4% silt, and 18.5% clay. This combination provides a firmer structure than coastal soils, though it remains workable for landscaping and gardening.
Low Organic Matter and Solid Water Capacity
Organic matter is low at 1.11%, trailing both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 5.12%. Fortunately, the available water capacity of 0.135 in/in is slightly above the state average, meaning the soil holds moisture well.
Managing Runoff in the Piedmont
Specific drainage classes are unavailable, but the 18.5% clay content suggests moderate drainage that may slow during heavy rains. Gardeners should consider raised beds to improve aeration in areas where clay accumulates.
Landscaping Success in Zone 8a
In the warm 8a climate, crepe myrtles and tomatoes perform exceptionally well with added compost. Since organic matter is low, supplementing your soil will lead to much better yields and healthier plants.
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 Mecklenburg County have?
Mecklenburg County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 24% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mecklenburg County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mecklenburg County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Mecklenburg County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Mecklenburg County.
What crops or plants grow well in Mecklenburg County's soil?
Based on Mecklenburg County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Mecklenburg County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mecklenburg County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mecklenburg 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.