Briscoe County Soil Data
Briscoe County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Briscoe County, Texas
High alkalinity on the Caprock
Briscoe County soils are notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.71. This is significantly higher than the national 6.5 median and the Texas average of 7.09. Such high pH levels can sometimes lock up iron and phosphorus for certain plant species.
Silty loam with a solid foundation
The soil mix features 43.4% sand, 31.1% silt, and 25.0% clay. This distribution creates a versatile silty loam that provides good physical support for crops. It offers a fair balance between drainage and the ability to hold onto mineral nutrients.
Impressive water storage capacity
Organic matter is slightly low at 1.51%, but the soil excels at holding water with a capacity of 0.142 in/in. This exceeds the state average of 0.133 in/in. This extra water storage is a vital asset for dryland farming in the Texas Panhandle.
High runoff potential in group D
The county's soils are categorized in hydrologic group D, indicating they are prone to runoff when saturated. This means that during heavy downpours, water may flow over the surface rather than soaking in immediately. Terracing and contour farming are helpful tools for local land management.
Cooler nights in zone 7b
At zone 7b, Briscoe County has a shorter growing season than coastal Texas but is ideal for winter wheat and cotton. Native grasses thrive in the high-capacity, alkaline soil. Start with hardy perennials that can handle the Panhandle wind and the alkaline earth.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.7. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Briscoe County have?
Briscoe County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 31% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Briscoe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Briscoe County's soil has a pH of 7.7, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Briscoe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Briscoe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Briscoe County's soil?
Based on Briscoe County's Loam texture, pH of 7.7, 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 Briscoe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Briscoe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Briscoe County
Soil Verdict
Briscoe County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Briscoe County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Briscoe 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.