Randolph County Soil Data
Randolph County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Randolph County, North Carolina
Randolph County's Mildly Acidic Ground
Randolph County soil has a pH of 5.50, which is less acidic than the state average of 5.14 but still well below the national 6.5 median. This mild acidity is a defining trait for local land management and plant selection.
Balanced Texture for Firm Structure
The soil contains 42.4% sand and 38.0% silt, creating a more balanced texture than many neighboring counties. With 17.8% clay added to the mix, the soil offers a firm structure that holds together well during tillage.
Excellent Water Capacity for Farming
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.21%, compared to the North Carolina average of 5.12%. However, the available water capacity of 0.147 in/in is excellent, significantly outperforming the state average of 0.134 in/in.
Moisture Retention in Silt-Rich Soil
Detailed drainage classifications are not currently available for this area, but the high silt and clay content indicates the soil holds onto moisture longer than sandy coastal soils. This makes it a reliable choice for crops that need a steady water supply.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 8a
Hardiness zone 8a allows for a wide variety of perennials and southern favorites like crape myrtles. The high water retention in Randolph means your garden will stay hydrated even during dry spells.
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 Randolph County have?
Randolph County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 38% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Randolph County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Randolph County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Randolph County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Randolph County.
What crops or plants grow well in Randolph County's soil?
Based on Randolph County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Randolph County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Randolph County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Randolph 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.