Milam County Soil Data
Milam County, Texas
Avg pH
7.0
Texture
Gravelly clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Milam County, Texas
Neutral Mollisols in Milam County
Milam County sits on a foundation of Mollisols with a near-perfect pH of 7.01. This is very close to the national median of 6.5, making it less alkaline than many of its Texas neighbors. Such neutral conditions allow for the maximum availability of many essential plant nutrients.
Gravelly Clay Loam Texture
The soil contains 41.5% sand, 27.6% clay, and 28.5% silt, classified as a gravelly clay loam. This texture provides a sturdy structure that holds moisture well while the gravelly components improve aeration. It strikes a functional balance between drainage and nutrient storage.
Superior Water Retention Capabilities
The available water capacity is a robust 0.142 in/in, which significantly exceeds the state average of 0.133. While organic matter is slightly below the state average at 1.56%, the high water capacity provides a safety net during dry periods. This makes the county highly suitable for sustained agricultural production.
Well Drained with Slow Infiltration
Soils here are well-drained but fall into Hydrologic Group C, which features slow infiltration rates when saturated. This means that while the soil manages water well under normal conditions, heavy rains can lead to moderate runoff. It is an ideal environment for farming provided erosion control measures are in place.
Diverse Potential in Zone 9a
Zone 9a provides a long, warm growing season for Milam County residents. The neutral pH and high water capacity are excellent for vegetables, fruit trees, and native grasses. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard orchard or a productive kitchen garden.
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: Gravelly clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Milam County have?
Milam County's soil is classified as Gravelly clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 28% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Milam County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Milam 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 Milam County?
Milam 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 Milam County's soil?
Based on Milam County's Gravelly clay loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Milam County?
Milam 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 Milam 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.