Hill County Soil Data
Hill County, Texas
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Hill County, Texas
The Productive Alfisols Order
Hill County features Fine sandy loam soils from the Alfisols order with a pH of 7.17. This value is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but matches the state's 7.09 average closely.
Stable Loam Composition
The soil is composed of 40.6% sand, 28.5% silt, and 27.7% clay. This relatively high clay and silt content provides excellent structure and nutrient-holding capacity compared to sandier neighboring counties.
Strong Water Retention Capacity
Organic matter stands at 1.53%, which is near the state average of 1.66%. The soil's available water capacity of 0.137 in/in actually exceeds the state average, making it better at surviving dry spells.
Moderately Well Drained Land
These soils are moderately well-drained but belong to hydrologic group D. While they manage water effectively for crops, the clay content can lead to slow infiltration during heavy Central Texas rains.
Bountiful Zone 8b Gardens
Gardeners in zone 8b can take advantage of the rich loam for corn, cotton, and various vegetables. It is a highly productive region that rewards soil-building practices like cover cropping.
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
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hill County have?
Hill County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 28% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hill County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hill County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Hill County?
Hill County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Hill County's soil?
Based on Hill County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 7.2, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Hill County?
Hill County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hill 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.