Nueces County Soil Data
Nueces County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Nueces County
Soil Verdict
Nueces County is in USDA hardiness zone 10a, a very warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 30°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. 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
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Nueces County is significantly warmer than the Texas average, shifting effective hardiness by roughly 1.8 zones. The zone range of 9b-10a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Nueces 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.