Archer County Soil Data

Archer County, Texas

Avg pH

6.9

Texture

Variable

Drainage

Well drained

Organic Matter

1.6%

Hydrologic Group

D

Data Story

About Soil in Archer County, Texas

Perfectly Neutral Archer Soil

Archer County boasts a near-neutral pH of 6.95, which is almost identical to the state average of 7.09. This is an ideal range for nutrient availability, making it more balanced than the national median of 6.5. This chemical stability contributes to its impressive overall soil score of 40.8.

A Balanced Silt and Clay Mix

The soil texture is variable, consisting of 31.4% sand, 36.7% silt, and 26.7% clay. This balanced composition provides a good mix of drainage and moisture retention. It offers better structural integrity and workability than the sandier counties to the west.

High Water Storage Potential

The available water capacity is 0.150 in/in, significantly higher than the Texas average of 0.133. Organic matter sits at 1.60%, which is very close to the state benchmark of 1.66%. These numbers indicate a strong potential for sustained plant growth even between rain events.

Well-Drained but Slow Infiltration

The area is classified as 'Well drained,' which is excellent for most garden crops and building foundations. However, it belongs to Hydrologic Group D, suggesting that the deeper subsoil may still limit the rate of water movement. Careful irrigation management can prevent surface runoff and maximize deep watering.

Versatile Growing in Zone 8a

In Hardiness Zone 8a, Archer County supports a wide array of vegetables and native grasses. The high water capacity and neutral pH make this an excellent location for traditional row crops and fruit trees. Your garden has a great head start thanks to these superior soil metrics.

Soil Composition

Variable
Sand: 31.4%
Silt: 36.7%
Clay: 26.7%
Variable

Soil pH

6.9pH
6.94819596995874
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Group D — High Runoff

Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.

Runoff potential:High

Drainage Class

Well drained

Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Variable

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Archer County have?

Archer County's soil is classified as Variable. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 37% silt, and 27% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.

Is Archer County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Archer County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Archer County?

Archer County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.

What crops or plants grow well in Archer County's soil?

Based on Archer County's Variable texture, pH of 6.9, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, most annual and perennial crops.

What USDA soil order is found in Archer County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Archer County is not currently available in our dataset.

Other Counties in Texas

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.