Shelby County Soil Data
Shelby County, Texas
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Shelby County, Texas
Acidic Sands of East Texas
Shelby County features a very acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.41. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09, making it ideal for acid-loving plants like blueberries.
High Sand and Low Clay
The soil is dominated by 59.5% sand and only 11.7% clay, with 28.8% silt. This high sand content ensures easy digging but means nutrients and water can leach away quickly if not managed well.
Water Retention Meets State Standards
Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.22% compared to the 1.66% state average. Despite this, the available water capacity is exactly 0.133 in/in, which aligns perfectly with the Texas benchmark for moisture storage.
High Runoff in Group D
Shelby County soils are placed in hydrologic group D, which surprisingly suggests high runoff potential despite the sandy texture. This is often due to restrictive layers deeper in the profile that prevent deep water penetration.
Azaleas and Blueberries in Zone 8b
The acidic soil and Zone 8b climate are a dream for growing azaleas, camellias, and blueberries. Start your garden today by embracing the natural acidity and focusing on plants that love East Texas's unique earth.
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 Shelby County have?
Shelby County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 29% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Shelby County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Shelby County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Shelby County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Shelby County.
What crops or plants grow well in Shelby County's soil?
Based on Shelby County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Shelby County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Shelby County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Shelby 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.