Scotland County Soil Data
Scotland County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Scotland County, North Carolina
Acidic Sandhills Character
The soil pH sits at 5.07, notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, these acidic levels are typical for the sandy regions of the Carolinas.
A Highly Sandy Soil Profile
Composition is dominated by 72.9% sand and a minimal 9.4% clay. This creates a loose, workable soil that drains extremely fast but struggles to hold onto essential plant nutrients without amendments.
Low Organic Matter Challenges
Organic matter is low at 2.81%, which is roughly half of the North Carolina state average. The available water capacity of 0.098 in/in is also low, suggesting that irrigation is critical for gardening success here.
Fast Drainage for Scotland County
Standard drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this area. However, the high sand content suggests that the ground rarely stays saturated for long after a storm.
Success in the Sandhills
Hardiness zone 8a allows for a wide variety of heat-tolerant vegetables and fruits. Consider adding compost to your sandy soil to build up the nutrients needed for a thriving garden.
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: Loamy Sand
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 Scotland County have?
Scotland County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 73% sand, 16% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Scotland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Scotland 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 Scotland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Scotland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Scotland County's soil?
Based on Scotland County's Loamy Sand 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 Scotland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Scotland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Scotland County
Soil Verdict
Scotland 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
Scotland County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Scotland 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.