Childress County Soil Data
Childress County, Texas
Avg pH
7.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Childress County, Texas
Alkaline Earth of the Rolling Plains
Childress County maintains an average pH of 7.38, placing it on the alkaline side of the scale. This is higher than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.09. This chemical profile is common across the Rolling Plains and influences which native plants dominate the landscape.
A Gritty Loam Mix
The soil is composed of 47.1% sand, 31.2% silt, and 20.0% clay. This balance provides a decent structure that is easier to plow than heavy clay but holds together better than pure sand. It is a versatile medium for both native grasses and commercial agriculture.
Strong Water Capacity in Dry Lands
The available water capacity is 0.146 in/in, which is better than the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. However, organic matter is low at 1.24%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. Boosting organic content can help plants better utilize the water the soil is already good at holding.
High Runoff Risks in Group D
Most of the soil in Childress County belongs to hydrologic group D, meaning it has a high runoff potential. When heavy Texas storms hit, the ground may struggle to absorb water quickly, leading to surface flow. Gardeners should consider terracing or rain gardens to capture this precious moisture.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 7b
Childress County is situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, supporting heat-tolerant and drought-resistant species. The soil's good water capacity makes it suitable for cotton and grains that can handle the alkaline conditions. Start a garden today with native Texas perennials that love the sun.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Childress County have?
Childress County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 31% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Childress County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Childress County's soil has a pH of 7.4, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Childress County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Childress County.
What crops or plants grow well in Childress County's soil?
Based on Childress County's Loam texture, pH of 7.4, 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 Childress County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Childress County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Childress 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.