Moore County Soil Data
Moore County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.7
Texture
Clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Moore County, Texas
Alkaline Mollisols define Moore's landscape
The county's dominant soils are Mollisols, which are typically fertile grassland soils. With a pH of 7.72, these soils are significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.
Clay loam provides a stable base
The soil features a clay loam texture composed of 51.5% sand and 20.1% clay. This mix offers a good balance of workability and structural integrity for regional agriculture.
Strong water capacity despite lower organic matter
Organic matter sits at 1.45%, which is slightly below the Texas average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in exceeds the state benchmark, helping plants survive dry spells.
Well-drained ground supports steady growth
The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This indicates a moderate infiltration rate, making it suitable for a variety of building and farming uses.
Winter wheat thrives in zone 7a
Hardiness zone 7a allows for successful cultivation of winter wheat and hardy perennials. Start a garden with crops that enjoy well-drained, alkaline ground to see the best results.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
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
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.7. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Moore County have?
Moore County's soil is classified as Clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 52% sand, 28% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Moore County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Moore County's soil has a pH of 7.7, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Moore County?
Moore 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 Moore County's soil?
Based on Moore County's Clay loam texture, pH of 7.7, 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 Moore County?
Moore 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Moore County
Soil Verdict
Moore 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
Moore County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Moore 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.