Grimes County Soil Data

Grimes County, Texas

Avg pH

6.3

Texture

Clay loam

Drainage

Well drained

Organic Matter

1.3%

Hydrologic Group

C

Data Story

About Soil in Grimes County, Texas

Acidic Entisols favor specific crops

Grimes County features Entisols with a 6.33 pH, which is more acidic than the 6.5 national median and the 7.09 state average. This acidity level is ideal for plants like blueberries or azaleas.

Clay loam with a sandy edge

The soil contains 57.4% sand and 19.1% clay, classified as a clay loam. This combination offers the aeration of sand with the structural support provided by clay particles.

A respectable soil score of 36.0

Organic matter is 1.31%, which is lower than the 1.66% state average. However, the overall soil score of 36.0 is significantly higher than the state average of 28.8, indicating strong overall quality.

Fast water movement through the profile

The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. It moves water through the profile quickly, which protects roots during heavy rainfall but may require irrigation in summer.

Endless summer gardening in zone 9a

The long, hot summers in zone 9a are perfect for peppers, melons, and cotton. With the county's high soil score, your garden is poised for a productive harvest.

Soil Composition

Clay loam
Sand: 57.4%
Silt: 23.1%
Clay: 19.1%
Clay loam

Soil pH

6.3pH
6.32708334529361
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Group C — Moderate-High Runoff

Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.

Runoff potential:Moderate-High

Drainage Class

Well drained

Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Clay loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Grimes County have?

Grimes County's soil is classified as Clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 23% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Grimes County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Grimes County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Grimes County?

Grimes 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 Grimes County's soil?

Based on Grimes County's Clay loam texture, pH of 6.3, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.

What USDA soil order is found in Grimes County?

Grimes County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.

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.