Vance County Soil Data
Vance County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Vance County, North Carolina
Sandy Piedmont Transitions
Vance County has an average pH of 5.16, placing it right in line with the North Carolina state average of 5.14. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which typically limits the availability of certain plant nutrients. Without taxonomic data, we look to the acidity as a primary indicator of the county's soil chemistry.
Dominated by Coarse Sand
With a sand content of 50.4%, the soil in Vance County is quite coarse and easy to work. Silt makes up 30.4% and clay accounts for 15.3% of the remaining profile. This high sand percentage aids in aeration but may lead to faster leaching of liquid fertilizers.
Lean Organic Reservoirs
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.43%, trailing the state average of 5.12%. The Available Water Capacity is 0.127 in/in, which is slightly below the North Carolina benchmark of 0.134. These factors contribute to a soil score of 14.2, suggesting that soil building is a priority for local growers.
Managing Drainage and Runoff
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 50.4% sand content typically indicates rapid water movement through the upper profile. This can be an advantage for building projects but may require more frequent irrigation for shallow-rooted crops. Managing surface runoff is key to preserving the thin layer of available organic matter.
Versatile Growing in Zone 7b
Vance County sits in Hardiness Zone 7b, offering a climate that supports everything from leafy greens to stone fruits. The sandy soil is particularly well-suited for root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. With a little supplemental organic matter, your Vance County garden can become a high-yielding sanctuary.
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 Vance County have?
Vance County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 50% sand, 30% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Vance County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Vance County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Vance County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Vance County.
What crops or plants grow well in Vance County's soil?
Based on Vance County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Vance County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Vance County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Vance 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.