Jeff Davis County Soil Data
Jeff Davis County, Texas
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Jeff Davis County, Texas
Balanced pH in the High Desert
Jeff Davis County features an average pH of 6.70, which sits remarkably close to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity creates a versatile foundation for a wide range of desert flora. The soil score of 35.8 beats the Texas state average of 28.8.
Sandy Profiles in the Mountains
The soil composition is 34.2% sand, 31.6% silt, and 21.3% clay. This mixture provides decent drainage while the silt and clay components help retain essential minerals for plant health. You will find the soil is generally workable but requires careful management to avoid surface crusting.
Conserving Water in Lean Soil
Organic matter averages 1.59%, falling just below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.109 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.133 in/in. These numbers suggest you should prioritize mulching to keep your garden hydrated.
Managing High Runoff Potential
The county belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates when the soil is wet. This characteristic means heavy rains can lead to significant runoff rather than deep soaking. You should design your landscape to capture and slow down water flow.
Drought-Hardy Growing in Zone 8a
Jeff Davis County is in Hardiness Zone 8a, making it suitable for tough, drought-tolerant species. Native mountain mahogany and hardy herbs like rosemary flourish in this high-altitude environment. Embrace the local climate by choosing plants that require minimal supplemental water.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jeff Davis County have?
Jeff Davis County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 32% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jeff Davis County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jeff Davis County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Jeff Davis County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jeff Davis County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jeff Davis County's soil?
Based on Jeff Davis County's Loam texture, pH of 6.7, 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 Jeff Davis County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jeff Davis County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.