Hidalgo County Soil Data
Hidalgo County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Hidalgo County, Texas
Southern Alkaline Plains
Soils in Hidalgo County are alkaline, averaging a pH of 7.30. This level sits above both the national median of 6.5 and the Texas state average of 7.09.
Balanced Medium Textures
The mix contains 44.3% sand, 25.3% silt, and 22.8% clay. This balanced distribution creates a medium-textured soil that offers better nutrient retention than purely sandy regions found elsewhere in the state.
Rio Grande Valley Fertility
At 1.21%, the organic matter content is lower than the state average of 1.66%. Similarly, the available water capacity of 0.123 in/in trails the state benchmark of 0.133 in/in, requiring careful irrigation.
High Surface Runoff Potential
As part of hydrologic group D, the soil presents a high runoff potential. Managing water flow is critical for agricultural success in the Rio Grande Valley's unique subtropical climate.
Thriving Zone 10a Tropics
In the subtropical heat of zone 10a, citrus trees and winter vegetables flourish. This region supports a year-round growing cycle, provided growers manage the alkaline soil conditions properly.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hidalgo County have?
Hidalgo County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 25% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hidalgo County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hidalgo County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Hidalgo County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hidalgo County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hidalgo County's soil?
Based on Hidalgo County's Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Hidalgo County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hidalgo County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hidalgo County
Soil Verdict
Hidalgo County is in USDA hardiness zone 10a, a very warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 30°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. 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
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Hidalgo County is significantly warmer than the Texas average, shifting effective hardiness by roughly 1.8 zones. The zone range of 9b-10a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hidalgo 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.