Rockingham County Soil Data
Rockingham County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Rockingham County, North Carolina
Classic Piedmont Acidic Soil
Rockingham County features a soil pH of 5.48, which is slightly higher than the North Carolina average of 5.14 but still under the national median of 6.5. This moderately acidic profile supports a variety of traditional Piedmont agriculture.
Reliable Balance of Sand and Silt
The soil is composed of 56.6% sand, 24.9% silt, and 17.1% clay. This composition offers a good balance between workability and structural integrity for farm equipment.
Resilient Water Capacity for Summer
Organic matter levels sit at 1.27%, which is below the state average of 5.12% and the national 2.0% mark. However, the water capacity of 0.137 in/in is slightly better than the state average, helping plants survive during dry summer months.
Stable Foundation for Local Farming
No specific drainage class is listed for the county, but the clay and silt levels suggest it retains moisture better than the state's coastal soils. This makes the land less prone to drought but potentially slower to dry out after heavy rain.
Versatile Planting in Zone 7b
Hardiness zone 7b is great for growing cool-season vegetables like kale and cabbage alongside summer staples. The soil's ability to hold water makes it a reliable foundation for your backyard food plot.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Rockingham County have?
Rockingham County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 25% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rockingham County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rockingham County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Rockingham County?
Rockingham County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Rockingham County's soil?
Based on Rockingham County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Rockingham County?
Rockingham County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Rockingham County
Soil Verdict
Rockingham County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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
Rockingham County is somewhat cooler than the North Carolina statewide average. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Rockingham 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.