Harrison County Soil Data
Harrison County, Texas
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Harrison County, Texas
East Texas Acidic Sandy Soils
Harrison County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.28, notably lower than the state average of 7.09. This acidic profile is typical of the Piney Woods region and dictates local forest health.
High Sand Content for Porous Soil
With a high sand content of 58.3% and only 11.9% clay, the soil is very porous. While this makes the ground easy to till, it also means nutrients can leach away faster than in heavier soils.
Moderate Water Capacity and Low Organic Matter
The organic matter content is 1.29%, trailing the Texas average of 1.66%. Available water capacity sits at 0.132 in/in, which almost perfectly matches the state's typical water-holding ability.
Slow Infiltration Despite Sandy Profile
Classified in hydrologic group D, the soil moves water through the profile slowly. This suggests dense subsurface layers that can impede deep drainage, regardless of the sandy surface texture.
Perfect for Sweet Potatoes in Zone 8b
Zone 8b is ideal for southern staples like sweet potatoes and peas that thrive in sandy ground. With a soil score of 16.2, adding organic mulch can quickly turn these sandy spots into productive garden beds.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Harrison County have?
Harrison County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 26% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Harrison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Harrison County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Harrison County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Harrison County.
What crops or plants grow well in Harrison County's soil?
Based on Harrison County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Harrison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Harrison County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Harrison 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.