Montgomery County Soil Data
Montgomery County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Montgomery County, North Carolina
Moderate Acidity in the Uwharries
Montgomery County has an average pH of 5.25, placing it slightly above the state average of 5.14 but below the national 6.5 median. Its overall soil score of 27.2 is typical for the Piedmont region.
A Silty Foundation with Substantial Clay
The soil is remarkably balanced with 41.2% sand, 42.3% silt, and 16.4% clay. The high silt content gives the soil a smooth texture and helps it hold nutrients better than sandier counties.
Lower Organic Matter, High Water Retention
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.77%, falling under the 2.0% national average. However, it excels in available water capacity at 0.149 in/in, significantly beating the state average of 0.134.
Stable Moisture for Growing Seasons
Specific drainage classes are not recorded, but the high water capacity and silt levels suggest the soil remains moist for long periods. This provides a buffer against drought but can lead to heavy conditions during wet winters.
Warm-Season Success in Zone 8a
Montgomery County's 8a zone is perfect for heat-loving crops like melons and peppers. Adding organic mulch will compensate for the naturally low organic matter and boost your garden's health.
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 Montgomery County have?
Montgomery County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 42% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Montgomery County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Montgomery County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Montgomery County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Montgomery County.
What crops or plants grow well in Montgomery County's soil?
Based on Montgomery County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Montgomery County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Montgomery County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Montgomery 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.