Lubbock County Soil Data
Lubbock County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Lubbock County, Texas
Alkaline plains of the Llano Estacado
Lubbock County's soil is slightly alkaline with an average pH of 7.28, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is sparse, the chemistry supports the large-scale agriculture the region is famous for.
Balanced sand and silt
The soil consists of 46.0% sand and 24.7% silt, providing a grit that helps with aeration. With 20.6% clay, it maintains enough body to hold moisture through the windy Panhandle seasons.
Solid moisture capacity
The available water capacity is 0.137 in/in, slightly beating the Texas state average. Organic matter levels sit at 1.59%, which is just below the state average of 1.66% but remains productive for hardy crops.
High runoff potential
As part of hydrologic group D, these soils exhibit very slow infiltration and high runoff rates. This makes water conservation and smart irrigation critical for maintaining healthy soil moisture levels.
Cotton and grapes in 7b
Lubbock is a powerhouse for cotton and increasingly wine grapes in hardiness zone 7b. Your soil's moisture capacity is a gift, so plant a garden that thrives in the high plains sun!
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lubbock County have?
Lubbock County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 25% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lubbock County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lubbock County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Lubbock County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lubbock County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lubbock County's soil?
Based on Lubbock County's Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Lubbock County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lubbock County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lubbock County
Soil Verdict
Lubbock 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
Lubbock County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lubbock 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.