Hockley County Soil Data
Hockley County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Hockley County, Texas
High Plains Alkaline Profile
Hockley County has strongly alkaline soil with a high pH of 7.90. This significantly exceeds the national median of 6.5 and is one of the highest averages in the state.
Sandy Loam Texture Mix
The soil contains 53.9% sand, 24.6% silt, and 21.5% clay. This sandy loam texture makes it relatively easy to work but requires management to prevent wind erosion on the open plains.
Moisture Buffer Capabilities
Organic matter levels are 1.51%, sitting just below the state average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.137 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a decent moisture buffer.
Restricted Subsurface Drainage
The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating restricted water movement through the profile. This is common in the High Plains where caliche layers or high clay subsoils can block drainage.
Hardy Zone 7b Crops
Zone 7b supports robust cotton and grain sorghum production. Local gardeners should focus on salt-tolerant plants and soil amendments that help lower the high pH for better nutrient uptake.
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 7.9. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hockley County have?
Hockley County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 25% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hockley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hockley County's soil has a pH of 7.9, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Hockley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hockley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hockley County's soil?
Based on Hockley County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.9, 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 Hockley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hockley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hockley County
Soil Verdict
Hockley County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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. 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.
Regional Context
Hockley County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hockley 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.