Erath County Soil Data
Erath County, Texas
Avg pH
7.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Erath County, Texas
Neutral Soils in Dairy Country
Erath County maintains a near-neutral average pH of 7.10, aligning closely with the Texas average of 7.09. These soils provide a stable chemical environment for a variety of plant species.
A Stable Balance for Roots
The composition is 53.0% sand, 26.2% silt, and 20.8% clay. This mixture provides a stable balance that supports both efficient drainage and adequate nutrient holding capacity.
Beating State Water Capacity Benchmarks
Organic matter levels of 1.53% sit slightly below the state average of 1.66%. However, an available water capacity of 0.137 in/in beats the Texas average, helping plants survive dry spells.
Well Drained but Runoff Prone
The soils are well drained but belong to hydrologic group D. This combination suggests that while water moves through top layers, the overall landscape faces a high runoff risk.
Peaches and Produce in Zone 8b
Located in zone 8b, Erath County is famous for its dairy and peach production. Gardeners should take advantage of the balanced soil to grow everything from tomatoes to flowering shrubs.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Erath County have?
Erath County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 26% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Erath County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Erath County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Erath County?
Erath 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 Erath County's soil?
Based on Erath County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.1, 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 Erath County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Erath County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Erath 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.