Nueces County Soil Data

Nueces County, Texas

Avg pH

6.9

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.4%

Hydrologic Group

D

Data Story

About Soil in Nueces County, Texas

Neutral soils along the Gulf Coast

Nueces County features a neutral soil pH of 6.91, which is very close to the Texas average of 7.09. This balance makes it a versatile environment for many different plant species.

Moderate sand and clay balance

The soil contains 48.8% sand and 22.9% clay. This mixture provides a stable base that is not as heavy as pure clay but still holds more moisture than pure sand.

Lower organic matter and water retention

Organic matter is 1.38%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.111 in/in is also below the Texas benchmark, so regular irrigation is often necessary.

Slow infiltration near the coast

The soil is part of hydrologic group D, indicating a low rate of water transmission. This can cause drainage issues during tropical storms or heavy coastal rain events.

Subtropical gardening in zone 10a

As one of the warmest zones in Texas, 10a allows for year-round gardening and tropical fruit cultivation. Start your coastal garden today and enjoy a frost-free growing environment.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 48.8%
Silt: 18.9%
Clay: 22.9%
Loam

Soil pH

6.9pH
6.91178511345437
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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.

Runoff potential:High

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Nueces County have?

Nueces County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 19% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Nueces County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Nueces County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Nueces County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Nueces County.

What crops or plants grow well in Nueces County's soil?

Based on Nueces County's Loam texture, pH of 6.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.

What USDA soil order is found in Nueces County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Nueces County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.