Pitt County Soil Data
Pitt County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pitt County, North Carolina
Pitt County's Sharp Acidic Soils
Pitt County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.65, making it much sharper than the national median of 6.5. This measurement even falls below the state average of 5.14, signaling a need for soil amendments in most gardens.
Sandy Terrain Dominates the Landscape
A high sand concentration of 62.2% dominates the landscape, supported by 23.9% silt and 11.5% clay. This gritty mix provides excellent aeration but requires frequent watering due to how quickly it lets moisture escape.
Nutrient Management in the Coastal Plain
Organic matter stands at 2.67%, which is higher than the national average but below the North Carolina average of 5.12%. With an available water capacity of 0.130 in/in, the soil holds slightly less water than the typical state plot.
Naturally Fast Drainage Patterns
Local classification data is currently limited, though the heavy sand profile typically suggests quick drainage across the county. This characteristic makes the land resilient against pooling but necessitates careful nutrient management to prevent leaching.
Lush Ornamentals in Zone 8a
The warm climate of zone 8a paired with acidic soil creates the perfect home for camellias and gardenias. Start your garden with acid-loving ornamentals or use compost to boost the fertility of this sandy terrain.
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 Pitt County have?
Pitt County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 24% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pitt County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pitt County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Pitt County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pitt County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pitt County's soil?
Based on Pitt County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Pitt County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pitt County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pitt 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.