Wilkes County Soil Data
Wilkes County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wilkes County, North Carolina
Acidic foothills soil in Wilkes County
The soil here is notably acidic with a pH of 5.05, which is lower than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.14. While specific taxonomic data for the county is limited, these levels are typical of the regional mountain foothills. Gardeners usually need to apply lime to balance these levels for most vegetables.
High sand content defines the landscape
A sandy texture dominates the profile at 58.2%, mixed with 21.0% silt and 15.7% clay. This high sand percentage ensures easy workability and prevents heavy compaction. However, this mix also means nutrients can leach out quickly during heavy rains.
Organic matter beats national averages
Wilkes County boasts 3.04% organic matter, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but below the North Carolina state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.120 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.134. This combination suggests decent growing potential if irrigation is managed correctly.
Naturally porous and permeable grounds
While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded in this dataset, the high sand content suggests rapid permeability. This natural porosity is excellent for preventing root rot in many plants. Builders should still verify local site conditions before starting foundations.
Flourishing in hardiness zone 7b
Wilkes County sits in USDA zone 7b, where acidic-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons thrive. The long growing season allows for a variety of crops from spring through fall. Now is the perfect time to start your garden in these well-draining soils.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wilkes County have?
Wilkes County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 21% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wilkes County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wilkes 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 Wilkes County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wilkes County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wilkes County's soil?
Based on Wilkes County's Sandy 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 Wilkes County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wilkes County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wilkes 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.