Refugio County Soil Data

Refugio County, Texas

Avg pH

7.0

Texture

Sandy Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.7%

Hydrologic Group

D

Data Story

About Soil in Refugio County, Texas

Neutral Coastal Plains Soil

Refugio County maintains a pH of 7.05, placing it almost perfectly in line with the Texas state average of 7.09. This neutral balance is closer to the national median of 6.5 than many of its neighbors, providing a versatile foundation for various plants.

Sandy Texture Dominates the Profile

With 52.7% sand, this soil offers excellent aeration but limited nutrient hold compared to heavier clays. Silt and clay make up 21.9% and 25.4% respectively, creating a texture that is generally easy to work.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

The organic matter content is 1.67%, just slightly above the state average of 1.66%. Available water capacity matches the regional low of 0.122 in/in, meaning the soil dries out faster than the state average of 0.133.

High Potential for Water Runoff

Classified in Hydrologic Group D, the soil suffers from poor water movement through the profile. This can lead to surface pooling during heavy Gulf Coast rains, requiring careful landscape grading.

Subtropical Potential in Zone 9b

The warm 9b hardiness zone allows for a nearly year-round growing season for citrus and hardy perennials. Start your garden today with salt-tolerant species that can handle the coastal breeze and sandy grounds.

Soil Composition

Sandy Loam
Sand: 52.7%
Silt: 21.9%
Clay: 25.4%
Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.0pH
7.04929687314412
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: Sandy 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 Refugio County have?

Refugio County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 22% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Refugio County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Refugio 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 Refugio County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Refugio County.

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

Based on Refugio County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Refugio County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Refugio 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.