Donley County Soil Data
Donley County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Donley County, Texas
Alkaline Loam Mollisols Define Donley County
Dominant Loam Mollisols characterize the local landscape. The average pH of 7.49 is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.
A Balanced Mix for Easy Working
The soil features 52.7% sand, 27.6% silt, and 19.4% clay. This loamy composition offers excellent workability and enough structure to support healthy root systems.
Strong Water Capacity Despite Lower Organic Matter
Organic matter sits at 1.41%, which is below the state average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.138 in/in beats the Texas average, providing a reliable hydration reservoir.
Well Drained Land for Efficient Farming
These soils are well drained and belong to hydrologic group B. This classification means the land manages rainfall effectively with moderate infiltration rates during storms.
Zone 7a Supports Hardy High Plains Crops
Donley County sits in hardiness zone 7a, perfect for winter wheat and cool-season vegetables. Gardeners can find great success in this fertile loam by starting seeds in early spring.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Donley County have?
Donley County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 28% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Donley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Donley County's soil has a pH of 7.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Donley County?
Donley 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 Donley County's soil?
Based on Donley County's Loam texture, pH of 7.5, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Donley County?
Donley County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Donley County
Soil Verdict
Donley 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
Donley County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average.
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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.