Kerr County Soil Data
Kerr County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Kerr County, Texas
Balanced pH in Kerr County
Kerr County soil stays closer to neutral than its neighbors with a pH of 6.97. This nearly matches the state average of 7.09 and is only slightly above the 6.5 national median.
Tight Clay and Silt Texture
With 36.9% clay and 35.6% silt, the soil has a dense, heavy texture. Only 19.5% of the mix is sand, meaning the ground stays tight and holds onto moisture and nutrients very effectively.
Impressive Organic Richness
The organic matter content is 3.27%, which is nearly double the Texas average of 1.66%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.125 in/in, falling slightly below the state average of 0.133.
Slow Infiltration Challenges
High clay content places these soils in hydrologic group D, signaling very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. The soil stays wet for long periods after rain, which can stress plants not adapted to heavy moisture.
Native Success in Zone 8b
Hardiness Zone 8b provides a warm climate that complements the rich organic matter found here. Native Texas wildflowers flourish, especially if you provide slightly raised beds to manage the slow drainage.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kerr County have?
Kerr County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 36% silt, and 37% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kerr County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kerr County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Kerr County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kerr County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kerr County's soil?
Based on Kerr County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Kerr County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kerr County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Kerr County
Soil Verdict
Kerr County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°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
Kerr County closely matches the Texas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-8b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kerr 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.