Falls County Soil Data
Falls County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Falls County, Texas
Falls County's Rich Mollisol Identity
The county features nutrient-rich Mollisols with a dominant loam texture. At 7.23, the pH is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and sits above the Texas average of 7.09. This balance supports high natural fertility for regional agriculture.
A Balanced Blend of Sand and Clay
The soil contains a nearly equal mix of 37.1% sand, 31.6% silt, and 31.3% clay. This loamy profile offers excellent workability while retaining enough clay to hold onto essential plant nutrients. Gardeners find this texture easy to manage compared to heavier clay regions.
Water Storage Beats the State Average
Organic matter sits at 1.60%, trailing the national average of 2.0% but mirroring the Texas average. However, the available water capacity of 0.148 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.133, providing a reliable moisture reservoir for crops during dry spells.
Well Drained but High Runoff Risk
The land is classified as well drained, yet it belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates high runoff potential when saturated. While water moves well through the profile, the heavy clay subsoil can limit infiltration during intense Texas thunderstorms. Proper site grading is essential for new construction projects here.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b
Warm winters and loamy soils make Falls County ideal for heat-tolerant vegetables and stone fruits like peaches. With a soil score of 35.6, this land outperforms the state average of 28.8. Start your garden today to take advantage of these productive Central Texas conditions.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Falls County have?
Falls County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 32% silt, and 31% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Falls County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Falls County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Falls County?
Falls 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 Falls County's soil?
Based on Falls County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Falls County?
Falls 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: Falls County
Soil Verdict
Falls 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
Falls County closely matches the Texas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8b-9a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Falls 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.