Hartley County Soil Data
Hartley County, Texas
Avg pH
7.8
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.1%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Hartley County, Texas
High Alkalinity on the Panhandle Plains
Hartley County has very alkaline soil with a pH of 7.77, which is much higher than the national 6.5 median. This high pH level can influence nutrient availability, particularly for iron and phosphorus.
Sandy Foundations and Light Textures
The soil is predominantly sandy at 56.8%, balanced by 23.4% silt and 19.5% clay. This grit-heavy composition allows for excellent aeration but means the soil can dry out quickly under the Texas sun.
Low Organic Matter with Reliable Water Storage
Organic matter is quite low at 1.09%, falling well below the state average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.138 in/in is slightly better than the Texas average, providing a good reservoir for plants.
High Runoff Potential in Group D
Belonging to hydrologic group D, the soil has high runoff potential and slow infiltration. This makes water management a priority for farmers and developers to ensure moisture reaches deep root zones.
Cold-Hardy Crops in Zone 7a
Hardiness zone 7a is perfect for pumpkins, squash, and hardy grains. Despite a lower soil score of 15.4, the decent water capacity offers a strong foundation for starting a successful High Plains 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
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 Hartley County have?
Hartley County's soil is classified as Sandy 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 Hartley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hartley County's soil has a pH of 7.8, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Hartley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hartley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hartley County's soil?
Based on Hartley County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Hartley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hartley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hartley 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.