Mitchell County Soil Data
Mitchell County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mitchell County, North Carolina
High-Quality Mountain Soil in Mitchell
Mitchell County boasts a high soil score of 42.4, well above the state average of 29.4. Its pH of 4.97 is typical for Appalachian forests, though much more acidic than the national 6.5 benchmark.
Balanced Loamy Fractions for Diverse Use
The soil contains a balanced 48.7% sand, 28.0% silt, and 16.4% clay. This versatile mix provides enough clay for nutrient retention while maintaining enough sand for proper drainage.
Top-Tier Organic Matter and Water Storage
The county features an impressive 10.34% organic matter, more than double the North Carolina average. Paired with a high available water capacity of 0.148 in/in, this is some of the most productive soil in the state.
Superior Moisture Management for Farms
While specific drainage class data is missing, the high available water capacity indicates a soil that stores water efficiently for plant use. The balanced texture suggests that it remains stable and well-drained even on steeper slopes.
Hardiness Zone 7a Gardening
With such high organic matter, Mitchell County is a dream for growing berries and mountain vegetables. Grab your shovel and start a garden to take advantage of this high-performing soil.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Mitchell County have?
Mitchell County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 28% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mitchell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mitchell County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Mitchell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Mitchell County.
What crops or plants grow well in Mitchell County's soil?
Based on Mitchell County's Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Mitchell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mitchell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mitchell County
Soil Verdict
Mitchell County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Mitchell County is somewhat cooler than the North Carolina statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mitchell 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.