Carson County Soil Data
Carson County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Carson County, Texas
Alkaline Panhandle Foundations
Carson County features an average pH of 7.63, which is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09. While data on its taxonomic order is unavailable, this high pH level influences how plants access key nutrients in the soil. Farmers here often monitor alkalinity closely to ensure crop productivity.
A Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt
The soil composition is 43.3% sand, 30.6% silt, and 24.8% clay. This mix provides a stable physical structure that balances workability with enough clay to hold onto moisture. The moderate sand content allows for easier root penetration compared to heavier clay soils.
Superior Water Retention for Dry Climates
With an available water capacity of 0.149 in/in, Carson County outperforms the Texas state average of 0.133 in/in. Organic matter sits at 1.78%, slightly above the state average of 1.66% but below the national 2.0% benchmark. This combination creates a resilient environment for growing, despite the arid regional climate.
Managing High Runoff Potential
The county is dominated by hydrologic group D, indicating soil with high runoff potential when thoroughly wet. Because water moves slowly through these layers, careful planning is required for irrigation and drainage during heavy rain events. This classification is critical for engineers when designing local building foundations and infrastructure.
Garden Success in Zone 7a
Carson County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, a region where winter hardy vegetables and drought-tolerant grains thrive. The high available water capacity supports crops like winter wheat and sorghum well. Gardeners can find great success by choosing species that tolerate the local alkaline soil profile.
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 7.6. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Carson County have?
Carson 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 Carson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carson County's soil has a pH of 7.6, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Carson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Carson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Carson County's soil?
Based on Carson County's Loam texture, pH of 7.6, 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 Carson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Carson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Carson County
Soil Verdict
Carson County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Carson County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Carson 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.