Brazoria County Soil Data
Brazoria County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Brazoria County, Texas
Coastal soils with near-neutral pH
Brazoria County maintains an average soil pH of 6.82, sitting very close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced pH is more neutral than the state average of 7.09. It provides an ideal chemical environment for a wide variety of plant nutrients.
Heavy clay and silt on the coast
The soil contains 30.5% silt and 27.7% clay, making it heavier than many inland Texas soils. While sand accounts for 36.6%, the high clay and silt fractions can make the soil feel sticky when wet and hard when dry. This mix requires careful timing for tilling and gardening.
Exceptional organic matter in Brazoria
The county boasts a high organic matter content of 3.81%, more than double the state average of 1.66%. Paradoxically, available water capacity is low at 0.094 in/in. The rich organic levels provide excellent natural fertility for local growers.
Slow drainage and high runoff potential
Belonging to hydrologic group D, this soil naturally resists rapid water infiltration. This can lead to standing water after the heavy coastal rains common to the region. Gardeners should consider raised beds to bypass the slow-draining nature of these heavy soils.
Tropical possibilities in zone 9b
Located in the warm 9b hardiness zone, Brazoria County supports citrus and other subtropical varieties. The high organic matter is a major asset for heavy-feeding vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. With a little drainage management, your coastal garden will thrive.
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: Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Brazoria County have?
Brazoria County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 31% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Brazoria County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brazoria County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Brazoria County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Brazoria County.
What crops or plants grow well in Brazoria County's soil?
Based on Brazoria County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Brazoria County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Brazoria County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Brazoria County
Soil Verdict
Brazoria County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 25°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
Brazoria County is somewhat warmer than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brazoria 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.