Stanly County Soil Data
Stanly County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Stanly County, North Carolina
Balanced Acidity in Stanly
At a pH of 5.28, the soil is less acidic than many neighboring counties but still below the national 6.5 median. Local taxonomic data is currently limited, though the soil score of 19.0 suggests some agricultural challenges.
Silty Texture and Firm Structure
The soil is remarkably silty at 46.5%, paired with 18.5% clay and 31.5% sand. This mix provides a smoother feel and better nutrient retention than the sandy soils found further east.
High Water Capacity, Low Matter
Organic matter is quite low at 1.34% compared to the 5.12% state average. Fortunately, the available water capacity is high at 0.139 in/in, helping plants withstand dry spells better than in sandier regions.
Slow and Steady Drainage
Specific drainage and hydrologic groups are not listed for Stanly County. The high silt and clay content generally indicates that the soil holds moisture longer, which is beneficial for thirsty garden crops.
Vibrant Gardening in Zone 8a
The warm 8a climate is ideal for tomatoes, peppers, and summer squash. With a little added compost to boost organic matter, your silty Stanly soil can become a powerhouse of production.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Stanly County have?
Stanly County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 47% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stanly County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stanly County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Stanly County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Stanly County.
What crops or plants grow well in Stanly County's soil?
Based on Stanly County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Stanly County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Stanly County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Stanly 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.