Calhoun County Soil Data

Calhoun County, Texas

Avg pH

7.3

Texture

Sandy Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.7%

Hydrologic Group

D

Data Story

About Soil in Calhoun County, Texas

Coastal Alkaline Soils

Calhoun County soils feature an average pH of 7.26, placing them on the alkaline side of the 6.5 national median. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the soil score of 26.7 indicates a challenging environment that requires informed management. Growers here must account for this alkalinity when selecting fertilizers and crops.

Sandy Texture with Moderate Clay

With 52.9% sand, the soil has a gritty texture that typically allows for good aeration at the surface. The 22.9% clay content provides enough body to prevent it from being pure beach sand, helping to hold some nutrients in place. This mixture is characteristic of the coastal transition zones found along the Gulf.

Managing Lean Water Capacity

Organic matter reaches 1.70%, which is slightly better than the 1.66% state average. However, the available water capacity is only 0.101 in/in, falling well below the state average of 0.133. This means your plants will likely need more frequent irrigation during the dry spells of the Texas summer.

Slow Infiltration in Group D

Calhoun County is classified under hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates and high runoff potential. Despite the high sand content at the surface, heavy clay layers or a high water table likely restrict deep drainage. This makes the land prone to standing water after heavy coastal storms.

Coastal Growing in Zone 9b

The warm 9b Hardiness Zone allows for almost year-round gardening, including tropical fruits and winter greens. Salt-tolerant species and heat-loving hibiscus thrive in this coastal climate. Grab your seeds and take advantage of the long, sun-drenched growing season today.

Soil Composition

Sandy Loam
Sand: 52.9%
Silt: 24.2%
Clay: 22.9%
Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.3pH
7.25675526120036
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: Sandy 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 Calhoun County have?

Calhoun County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 24% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Calhoun County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Calhoun County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Calhoun County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Calhoun County.

What crops or plants grow well in Calhoun County's soil?

Based on Calhoun County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Calhoun County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Calhoun 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.