Moore County Soil Data
Moore County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Moore County, North Carolina
Sandhills Soil Challenges in Moore County
Moore County has a soil score of 9.5, reflecting the unique challenges of the Sandhills region. The average pH of 5.07 is typical for North Carolina but remains far more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
High Sand Content and Low Clay
With 57.6% sand and only 12.1% clay, this soil is highly permeable and loosely structured. It is very easy to dig and work, but it lacks the natural density to hold onto nutrients.
Low Organic Matter and Limited Water
The organic matter content is just 1.38%, well below the state average of 5.12%. Combined with a low available water capacity of 0.113 in/in, this soil requires regular amendments and irrigation for success.
Rapid Drainage Across the Sandhills
Although specific drainage classes are unavailable, the high sand and low water capacity indicate very fast drainage. Water moves through this soil quickly, which prevents standing water but demands careful irrigation management.
Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8a
Despite the sandy soil, Moore County's 8a climate is ideal for longleaf pines and drought-tolerant blueberries. With a little extra compost and water, you can transform these sandy plots into a thriving oasis.
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 Moore County have?
Moore County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 28% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Moore County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Moore County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Moore County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Moore County.
What crops or plants grow well in Moore County's soil?
Based on Moore County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Moore County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Moore County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Moore 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.