Kinney County Soil Data
Kinney County, Texas
Avg pH
7.5
Texture
Clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Kinney County, Texas
Dark, Alkaline Mollisols
Kinney County features Mollisols, a soil order known for having a deep, dark surface layer rich in nutrients. The pH of 7.53 is alkaline, sitting well above the national median of 6.5.
Balanced Clay Loam Texture
Clay loam is the primary texture, formed by 29.6% sand, 35.0% silt, and 30.2% clay. This mix offers a good balance of workability and the ability to retain essential minerals for plant health.
Healthy Organic Matter Content
Organic matter is healthy at 2.44%, which is much higher than the Texas average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.118 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.133.
Well-Drained with Slow Infiltration
These well-drained soils belong to hydrologic group C, meaning they have slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wet. They are generally stable for building, provided you manage the moderate clay content correctly.
Subtropical Gardening in Zone 9a
Transitioning into Zone 9a, Kinney County enjoys very mild winters. Heat-loving citrus and native shrubs like Cenizo flourish in this alkaline, clay-loam environment.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kinney County have?
Kinney County's soil is classified as Clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 35% silt, and 30% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kinney County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kinney County's soil has a pH of 7.5, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Kinney County?
Kinney County has a dominant drainage class of "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 Kinney County's soil?
Based on Kinney County's Clay loam texture, pH of 7.5, and 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 Kinney County?
Kinney County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kinney 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.