Ellis County Soil Data
Ellis County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.4
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Ellis County, Texas
Alkaline Grounds of North Texas
Ellis County maintains a pH of 7.42, which is notably alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5. This pH level influences nutrient availability and plant selection for local growers.
Heavy Clay for Nutrient Retention
The soil is heavy on clay at 37.2%, with 25.2% sand and 31.5% silt. While this high clay content provides excellent nutrient retention, it can be difficult to work when excessively wet.
Exceeding State Averages for Productivity
With 1.79% organic matter, Ellis County exceeds the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.143 in/in also beats the state benchmark, ensuring superior moisture storage.
Managing High Runoff Potential
The soil falls into hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff potential and slow infiltration. This makes proper drainage planning crucial for both agricultural success and suburban construction.
Abundant Harvests in Zone 8b
Falling in hardiness zone 8b, the county is an excellent spot for cotton, corn, and robust summer vegetables. The nutrient-rich clay supports a productive garden with proper moisture control.
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: Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Ellis County have?
Ellis County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 32% silt, and 37% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ellis County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ellis 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 Ellis County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ellis County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ellis County's soil?
Based on Ellis County's Clay 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 Ellis County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ellis County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Ellis County
Soil Verdict
Ellis County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°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
Ellis County closely matches the Texas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ellis 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.