Union County Soil Data
Union County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Union County, North Carolina
Acidic Soils of the Piedmont
Union County presents an average pH of 5.13, which almost perfectly mirrors the North Carolina state average of 5.14. This is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime amendments for most traditional vegetable gardens. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, these values are characteristic of weathered Piedmont soils.
Balanced Texture with High Silt
The soil mix contains 40.1% silt and 37.6% sand, providing a relatively fine texture compared to coastal neighbors. With a clay content of 19.8%, these soils offer better nutrient retention but may become heavy when wet. This composition creates a dense medium that requires careful management to avoid surface crusting.
Challenging Organic Matter Content
The county's organic matter stands at just 1.24%, falling well below the national 2.0% average and the state 5.12% benchmark. This results in a modest Available Water Capacity of 0.135 in/in. With a soil score of 13.3, Union County lands below the state average, signaling a need for consistent composting and mulching.
Understanding Local Water Flow
Data for specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups is limited for this area. However, the 19.8% clay content suggests moderate drainage that may slow during heavy Piedmont rains. Homeowners and farmers should prioritize soil structure improvements to help manage water infiltration.
Gardening in Zone 8a
In Hardiness Zone 8a, Union County gardeners can enjoy a robust season for heat-tolerant vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. Adding organic amendments will help overcome the low natural fertility and improve your harvest. The climate is perfect for establishing a productive home orchard or a resilient perennial 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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Union County have?
Union County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Union County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Union 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 Union County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Union County.
What crops or plants grow well in Union County's soil?
Based on Union 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 Union County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Union County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Union 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.