Wilson County Soil Data
Wilson County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wilson County, North Carolina
Strongly acidic coastal plain soils
Wilson County soil is very acidic with a pH of 4.90, falling significantly below the national median of 6.5. This measurement is also lower than the North Carolina state average of 5.14. These conditions often require specific amendments to support commercial crop production.
Coarse sand leads the soil mix
The soil is comprised of 62.4% sand, the highest in this group, alongside 23.2% silt and 11.5% clay. This coarse composition provides exceptional drainage but struggles to hold onto essential nutrients. It is easy to till but dries out faster than heavier clay soils.
Lower organic levels require enrichment
Organic matter sits at 1.70%, which is below both the 2.0% national average and the 5.12% state average. The available water capacity is 0.124 in/in, trailing the state average of 0.134. Adding compost is vital for increasing the nutrient retention of these sandy fields.
Fast drainage for coastal gardening
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are currently unavailable for this area. However, the high sand content of 62.4% typically indicates a landscape that sheds water quickly. This is ideal for crops that dislike 'wet feet' but requires consistent watering during dry spells.
Warm season crops in zone 8a
With a hardiness zone of 8a, Wilson County supports heat-tolerant crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. The sandy soil warms up quickly in the spring, allowing for early planting. Start your garden today to take advantage of one of the longest growing seasons in the state.
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 Wilson County have?
Wilson County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 23% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wilson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wilson County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Wilson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wilson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wilson County's soil?
Based on Wilson County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Wilson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wilson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wilson 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.