Henderson County Soil Data
Henderson County, Texas
Avg pH
5.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Henderson County, Texas
Acidic East Texas Profile
Henderson County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.90, which is notably lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH contrasts sharply with the state's typically alkaline average of 7.09.
Sandy Loam Characteristics
The profile is 54.1% sand, 20.4% silt, and 18.5% clay. This sandy structure ensures the soil is easy to till but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching during rainy seasons.
Nutrient and Water Management
Organic matter levels are 1.25%, falling below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.114 in/in is also lower than the Texas average, suggesting a need for frequent watering.
Restricted Subsurface Flow
The county falls into hydrologic group D, indicating very slow infiltration rates despite the high sand content. This can lead to unexpected surface ponding during the intense storms common in East Texas.
Ideal Zone 8b Orchards
Zone 8b is perfect for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and peaches. The climate and soil combination create an ideal environment for East Texas timber and commercial fruit production.
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 Henderson County have?
Henderson County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 20% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Henderson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Henderson County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Henderson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Henderson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Henderson County's soil?
Based on Henderson County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Henderson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Henderson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Henderson 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.