Surry County Soil Data
Surry County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Cobbly fine sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Surry County, North Carolina
Classic Ultisols in Surry
The county features Ultisols with a pH of 5.14, matching the North Carolina state average exactly. This acidic level is well below the national median of 6.5, making it a standard Southeastern soil profile.
Cobbly Sandy Loam Texture
A cobbly fine sandy loam dominates the landscape, made of 58.5% sand and 16.0% clay. The presence of cobbles and sand ensures great drainage while the clay provides enough body to hold nutrients.
Solid Growth Potential
Organic matter sits at 3.28%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but below the state average of 5.12%. Available water capacity is high at 0.139 in/in, giving the county a respectable soil score of 32.1.
Efficient Water Management
The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. These characteristics mean the land processes rainfall efficiently, reducing the risk of erosion and standing water in your garden.
Mountain-Fringe Bounty in 7b
Surry County is famous for its grapes and apples, which thrive in this well-drained 7b zone. It is a great time to plant fruit trees or a vegetable patch in these supportive soils.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Cobbly fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Surry County have?
Surry County's soil is classified as Cobbly fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 22% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Surry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Surry 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 Surry County?
Surry County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Surry County's soil?
Based on Surry County's Cobbly fine sandy loam texture, pH of 5.1, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Surry County?
Surry County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Surry 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.