Lamb County Soil Data
Lamb County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.8
Texture
Fine sand
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Lamb County, Texas
Highly Alkaline Fine Sands of Lamb
The soil here is quite alkaline, with a pH of 7.78 compared to the national median of 6.5. This contributes to a relatively low soil score of 15.9, which is below the Texas average.
High Sand Content and Easy Workability
A dominant texture of fine sand is driven by a 60.7% sand composition. While this makes the soil very easy to dig and till, it struggles to hold onto water and nutrients compared to clay-heavy soils.
Low Water Capacity and Organic Matter
Organic matter stands at 1.46%, and the available water capacity is just 0.129 in/in. Both figures fall below the state averages, suggesting that frequent fertilization and watering are necessary for garden success.
Rapid Infiltration in Excessively Drained Soils
The county features excessively drained soils belonging to hydrologic group A. This means water moves very quickly through the ground, significantly reducing the risk of flooding but increasing the need for irrigation.
Cooler Growing in Hardiness Zone 7a
Lamb County is in hardiness zone 7a, supporting crops like grapes and sweet potatoes. Start your garden today, but be sure to use plenty of mulch to keep moisture in the sandy ground.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.8. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lamb County have?
Lamb County's soil is classified as Fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 61% sand, 21% silt, and 18% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Lamb County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lamb County's soil has a pH of 7.8, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Lamb County?
Lamb County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Lamb County's soil?
Based on Lamb County's Fine sand texture, pH of 7.8, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Lamb County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lamb County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lamb County
Soil Verdict
Lamb County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Lamb County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lamb 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.