Soil Survey

soil testing

The Groundwork of Our County

Located in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain, Pitt County spans more than 419,000 acres, with elevations ranging from near sea level in the east to about 124 feet near Farmville in the west. The county’s soils formed from coastal and river sediments of sand, silt, and clay and are generally acidic with low natural fertility. Variations in drainage, texture, and elevation create a diverse mix of soil types that shape agriculture, development, and stormwater management. The Tar River and its tributaries drain much of the area, providing abundant surface and groundwater resources.

Developed by soil scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Soil Conservation Service and the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, the Pitt County Soil Survey explains how different soils can be managed for farming, forestry, wildlife, and development. Because soil characteristics vary across the landscape, proper management helps sustain productivity and protect valuable natural resources.

Soil surveys issued prior to 2008 are archive copies that are not compatible with the screen-reader software used by the visually impaired. 
For accessibility assistance,  
Email nrcs-spsd-508@usda.gov
or Call 402-437-5499

  1. County Soil Associations
  2. Resources

state figure 1b of Soil SurveyGeneral Soil Associations in Pitt County

Soil associations describe groups of soils that commonly occur together across the landscape. Each includes two or more major soil types that repeat in a natural pattern.

Seven Main Soil Associations Identified in Pitt County
Each reflects how drainage, elevation, and parent material shape the land:

  • Norfolk–Exum–Goldsboro Association: Found mostly on gently sloping uplands. Well-drained soils suitable for crops, forests, and development with proper management.
  • Roanoke–Lakeland–Altavista Association: Occurs on terraces and flat areas near streams. Moderately well- to somewhat poorly drained soils that support both farming and woodland.
  • Lynchburg–Rains–Goldsboro Association: Found on nearly level to gently sloping land. Moderately to poorly drained soils often used for crops such as soybeans and corn.
  • Lenoir–Bladen–Craven Association: Located on low, flat terrain. Poorly drained soils common in flood-prone areas, best suited for timber and wildlife habitat.
  • Coxville–Exum Association: Appears on upland ridges and gentle slopes. Moderately well-drained soils that support a mix of agriculture and forest uses.
  • Bibb–Portsmouth Association: Found along stream valleys and floodplains. Very poorly drained soils that stay wet for long periods, mainly supporting woodland or natural vegetation.
  • Bladen–Byars Association: Common in low, level areas. Heavy, poorly drained soils used primarily for forest and wetland conservation.