Sampson County Soil Data
Sampson County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sampson County, North Carolina
Coastal Plain Soils with Low pH
Sampson County features a very acidic pH of 4.95, falling significantly below the national median of 6.5. Precise taxonomic data is unavailable, but the acidity is a defining trait for this agricultural hub.
Sandy Terrain for Fast Drainage
With 69.8% sand and only 9.8% clay, this soil is exceptionally light and porous. This high sand percentage ensures water moves through quickly, which reduces the risk of root rot but requires frequent watering.
Moderate Fertility and Water Storage
The 3.59% organic matter content is below the state average of 5.12% but remains higher than the national average. An available water capacity of 0.124 in/in provides a decent reservoir for crops between summer rains.
Hydrologic Patterns of the Coastal Plain
Official drainage and hydrologic group data are currently not recorded for this county. Because the soil is nearly 70% sand, it likely drains very rapidly, making it ideal for specialized crops that dislike wet feet.
Bountiful Harvests in Zone 8a
This zone is perfect for blueberries and peanuts which thrive in sandy, acidic environments. Start your planting now to take advantage of the long, warm Sampson County growing season.
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 Sampson County have?
Sampson County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 70% sand, 20% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sampson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sampson County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Sampson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sampson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sampson County's soil?
Based on Sampson County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Sampson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sampson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sampson 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.