Hartley County Soil Data
Hartley County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.8. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hartley County
Soil Verdict
Hartley County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Hartley County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average.
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.