Brooks County Soil Data
Brooks County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
0.9%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Brooks County, Texas
Sandy South Texas plains
Brooks County features an average pH of 6.80, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. This nearly neutral soil is slightly more acidic than the Texas average of 7.09. It provides a balanced chemical baseline for many agricultural uses.
Dominant sand defines the county
The soil is extremely sandy, containing 78.9% sand and only 9.7% clay. This creates a very loose, coarse texture that is easy to till but drains very rapidly. The low silt content (11.5%) means there is little to bind the sand particles together.
Low organic matter and water storage
The soil's organic matter is quite low at 0.93%, well below the state average of 1.66%. Similarly, the available water capacity is only 0.095 in/in. Frequent irrigation and heavy organic amendments are necessary for productive gardening in this sandy environment.
Surface runoff challenges in group D
Despite the high sand content, the soil is placed in hydrologic group D, suggesting limited deep infiltration. This often happens in areas with shallow restrictive layers or high water tables. Managing water at the surface is critical to prevent erosion of the loose, sandy topsoil.
Subtropical gardening in zone 9b
Brooks County's 9b hardiness zone allows for year-round growing of many crops. Citrus trees and heat-tolerant legumes are well-suited for these sandy plains. Focus on building up your soil's organic matter to help your garden hold onto every drop of water.
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: Loamy Sand
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 Brooks County have?
Brooks County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 79% sand, 11% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Brooks County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brooks 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 Brooks County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Brooks County.
What crops or plants grow well in Brooks County's soil?
Based on Brooks County's Loamy Sand 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 Brooks County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Brooks County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Brooks County
Soil Verdict
Brooks 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
Brooks County is somewhat warmer than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brooks 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.