Rockingham County Soil Data
Rockingham County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
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
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 Rockingham County have?
Rockingham County's soil is classified as Sandy 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?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rockingham County.
What crops or plants grow well in Rockingham County's soil?
Based on Rockingham County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Rockingham County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rockingham County is not currently available in our dataset.
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.