Brazoria County Soil Data

Brazoria County, Texas

Avg 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

Clay Loam
Sand: 36.6%
Silt: 30.5%
Clay: 27.7%
Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.8pH
6.82331605487822
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

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Clay Loam

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 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.

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.