Rutherford County Soil Data
Rutherford County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Rutherford County, North Carolina
Acidic Foothill Soils in Rutherford
The soil shows an acidic pH of 5.06, which is lower than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.14. While taxonomic data is currently unavailable, the acidity suggests a need for lime to balance garden beds.
A Gritty Mix with Sand and Clay
The earth consists of 51.9% sand and 14.9% clay, creating a texture that is generally easy to work. This high sand content promotes drainage, though the modest clay levels help prevent the soil from becoming purely loose sediment.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Rutherford boasts an impressive 7.65% organic matter, far exceeding the North Carolina average of 5.12%. Although the available water capacity is slightly low at 0.110 in/in, the rich organic content provides excellent nutrient potential for crops.
Managing Water in the Foothills
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently listed for this region. Local gardeners should monitor their plots for runoff, as the moderate water capacity may require consistent irrigation during dry spells.
Warm Seasons in Zone 8a
Hardiness zone 8a supports long-season crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. With such high organic matter, your soil is ready to feed a productive backyard garden today.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Rutherford County have?
Rutherford County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 52% sand, 18% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rutherford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rutherford County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Rutherford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rutherford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Rutherford County's soil?
Based on Rutherford County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Rutherford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rutherford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Rutherford County
Soil Verdict
Rutherford County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Rutherford County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions. 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 Rutherford 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.