Robeson County Soil Data
Robeson County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Robeson County, North Carolina
The Coastal Plain's Acidic Base
Robeson County soil is quite acidic with a pH of 4.90, which is lower than the state average of 5.14 and far from the national 6.5 median. This acidity level is common in the Coastal Plain and dictates the county's agricultural character.
Sand-Dominant Texture for Fast Flow
Sand is the dominant texture at 66.0%, the highest among these counties, paired with 21.1% silt and 10.6% clay. This creates a very gritty, loose soil that drains exceptionally fast but may struggle to hold onto nutrients.
High Organic Matter for the Region
Organic matter is a bright spot at 3.70%, which is well above the national 2.0% average, though still below the state's 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.132 in/in is just under the state average of 0.134 in/in.
Drought-Resistant but High Maintenance
The sand-dominant texture ensures that the soil rarely remains waterlogged, though specific drainage class data is not currently recorded. This makes the land ideal for crops that dislike 'wet feet' but requires careful irrigation.
Extended Growing in Zone 8b
The warm 8b hardiness zone is perfect for heat-loving plants and a very long growing season. Your garden will thrive with blueberries and other acid-loving shrubs that love this sandy, high-organic-matter soil.
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: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Robeson County have?
Robeson County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 66% sand, 21% silt, and 11% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Robeson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Robeson County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Robeson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Robeson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Robeson County's soil?
Based on Robeson County's Sand texture, pH of 4.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Robeson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Robeson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Robeson County
Soil Verdict
Robeson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Robeson County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-8b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Robeson 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.