Atascosa County Soil Data
Atascosa County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Atascosa County, Texas
Atascosa's Neutral South Texas Soil
With an average pH of 7.06, Atascosa County is almost perfectly aligned with the Texas state average of 7.09. This neutral balance is higher than the national median of 6.5 and is very welcoming to most agricultural crops. The soil achieves a solid overall score of 33.9, outperforming the state benchmark.
Sandy Foundations and Silt Mix
The soil is comprised of 55.7% sand, 20.2% silt, and 21.6% clay. This texture provides a stable structure that is less likely to crack than high-clay soils. It allows for decent drainage while still maintaining enough clay for essential mineral storage.
Solid Organic and Water Metrics
Organic matter content is 1.59%, hovering just below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.134 in/in, which slightly exceeds the state average of 0.133. These metrics suggest a reliable soil that can sustain growth through the hot South Texas summer.
Runoff Risks in Hydrologic Group D
The county's soil falls into Hydrologic Group D, meaning it has a high runoff potential when wet. Even with a majority sand content, the landscape may suffer from slow deep drainage. Proper land management should include strategies to capture and use surface water effectively.
Lush Potential in Zone 9a
In Hardiness Zone 9a, Atascosa County supports everything from citrus trees to hardy vegetables. The neutral pH and good water capacity make it one of the more versatile regions for new gardeners. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard orchard or a year-round vegetable patch.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
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.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Atascosa County have?
Atascosa County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 56% sand, 20% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Atascosa County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Atascosa County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Atascosa County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Atascosa County.
What crops or plants grow well in Atascosa County's soil?
Based on Atascosa County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Atascosa County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Atascosa County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Atascosa County
Soil Verdict
Atascosa County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 20°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Atascosa County is somewhat warmer than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Atascosa County on LawnByCounty.com →
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.