Rusk County Soil Data
Rusk County, Texas
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Rusk County, Texas
Acidic Pineywoods Soil Profile
Rusk County has significantly acidic soil with a pH of 5.58, far below the Texas average of 7.09. This low pH is characteristic of East Texas and is ideal for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.
Sandy Terrain for Fast Drainage
With 62.0% sand and only 12.2% clay, this soil is light and very easy to dig. The high sand content allows for great aeration but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching during heavy rains.
Lower Retention and Organic Matter
The organic matter is 1.34%, falling below the state average of 1.66%. Similarly, the water capacity of 0.124 in/in is lower than the state benchmark of 0.133, meaning soil dries out quickly.
Infiltration Blocks in Group D
Despite the sandy surface, the soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating restrictive subsurface layers. This can cause unexpected surface saturation even though the topsoil feels sandy and dry.
Lush Growth in Zone 8b
The 8b hardiness zone and acidic soil make Rusk County a paradise for East Texas specialty crops. If you're starting a garden, focus on plants that thrive in low pH for the best results.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Rusk County have?
Rusk County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 26% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rusk County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rusk County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Rusk County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rusk County.
What crops or plants grow well in Rusk County's soil?
Based on Rusk County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Rusk County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rusk County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Rusk 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.