Onslow County Soil Data
Onslow County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Onslow County, North Carolina
Classic Coastal Acidity Levels
Onslow's average pH of 5.17 is almost identical to the North Carolina average of 5.14. While taxonomic data remains unspecified, this level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the pine-heavy ecosystems found along the coast.
Dominated by Coastal Sands
The soil is highly sandy at 73.7%, with 14.8% silt and 9.0% clay making up the rest. This creates a loose, easy-to-dig texture that is common in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Such high sand content allows for excellent air circulation around plant roots.
Rich in Organic Matter
Onslow boasts an organic matter content of 6.10%, surpassing the state average of 5.12%. However, the available water capacity of 0.110 in/in is lower than the state mean of 0.134 in/in. This means the soil is fertile but loses moisture relatively quickly during the summer heat.
Managing Rapid Water Flow
Official drainage classes are currently missing from the data, but a 73.7% sand ratio generally implies rapid drainage. Gardeners should watch for quick drying, while builders generally enjoy the stability of these sandy deposits. Proper drainage planning is essential for any local development.
Coastal Blooms in Zone 8b
In Zone 8b, Onslow County is ideal for blueberries, azaleas, and other acid-loving species. The soil score of 33.3 indicates a solid foundation that outperforms the state average. Now is the perfect time to plant your coastal garden and enjoy the long growing season.
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: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Onslow County have?
Onslow County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 74% sand, 15% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Onslow County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Onslow County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Onslow County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Onslow County.
What crops or plants grow well in Onslow County's soil?
Based on Onslow County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Onslow County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Onslow County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Onslow 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.