Crosby County Soil Data
Crosby County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.7
Texture
Clay
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Crosby County, Texas
Strongly Alkaline Entisols of Crosby County
Crosby County is dominated by Entisols with a high average pH of 7.72, making it one of the more alkaline regions in Texas. This pH is much higher than the national median of 6.5, reflecting the mineral-heavy dust of the Llano Estacado. These 'young' soils are still actively being shaped by the wind and local climate.
Sandy Surface with a Clay Backbone
The soil contains 51.9% sand, 22.7% silt, and 21.9% clay, though the dominant texture is officially classified as clay in key areas. This combination creates a soil that is easy to manage on the surface but retains significant structural strength. The sand fraction helps prevent the heavy clay from becoming entirely unworkable when wet.
Steady Moisture in Moderate Soils
The organic matter content is 1.37%, slightly below the state average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% mark. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.132 in/in almost perfectly matches the state average of 0.133 in/in. This balance makes the soil reliable for the row crops that define the region's landscape.
Well-Drained but Slow to Infiltrate
The soil is classified as well-drained, yet it falls into hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates at depth. This creates a unique situation where the surface sheds water easily, but the deeper profile resists movement. Farmers must manage this carefully to prevent erosion and ensure deep moisture penetration.
Cooler Winters in Hardiness Zone 7b
In hardiness zone 7b, Crosby County supports a variety of hardy crops like winter wheat, cotton, and resilient fruit trees. The alkaline clay soils are a perfect match for native sunflowers and drought-resistant shrubs. It is a great environment to establish a landscape that can handle the High Plains' wind and 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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Clay
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 Crosby County have?
Crosby County's soil is classified as Clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 52% sand, 23% silt, and 22% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Crosby County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Crosby 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 Crosby County?
Crosby County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Crosby County's soil?
Based on Crosby County's Clay texture, pH of 7.7, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, wetland plants and crops tolerant of slow drainage, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Crosby County?
Crosby County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Crosby County
Soil Verdict
Crosby 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
Crosby County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Crosby 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.