Fort Bend County Soil Data
Fort Bend County, Texas
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Variable
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Fort Bend County, Texas
Fort Bend's Ideal Acidic Balance
Fort Bend County boasts an average pH of 6.41, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This makes it significantly more acidic than the Texas average of 7.09, offering an ideal environment for many common garden plants. The soil texture varies across the county's diverse river-delta landscape.
A Complex Silt and Clay Matrix
The soil contains 33.1% silt and 26.0% clay, alongside 36.4% sand. This balanced composition provides a versatile foundation that works well for both large-scale farming and residential landscaping. It retains nutrients effectively while allowing for decent root growth.
Peak Organic Matter for Texas
Organic matter hits the 2.0% national average, far outperforming the Texas state average of 1.66%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.144 in/in, these soils are some of the most fertile in the state. This high productivity is reflected in the county's impressive soil score of 51.4.
Well Drained with Hydrologic Limitations
While the soil is generally well drained, it belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating slow infiltration when fully wet. This is common in the Gulf Coast region where heavy rains can quickly saturate the ground. Urban planning must account for this runoff potential to prevent local flooding.
Abundance in Hardiness Zone 9b
The combination of high organic matter and a near-neutral pH makes this a gardener's paradise. Zone 9b allows for citrus trees and year-round vegetable production with very little frost risk. At double the state average soil score, your backyard is likely ready for a thriving garden.
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: Variable
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Fort Bend County have?
Fort Bend County's soil is classified as Variable. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 33% silt, and 26% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Fort Bend County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fort Bend County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Fort Bend County?
Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County's soil?
Based on Fort Bend County's Variable texture, pH of 6.4, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Fort Bend County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fort Bend County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fort Bend 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.