Stonewall County Soil Data
Stonewall County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.5
Texture
Loamy fine sand
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Stonewall County, Texas
Redbed Alkaline Soils of North Texas
Stonewall County displays an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.51. This exceeds the state average of 7.09 and the national median of 6.5, often requiring specialized management for acid-loving plants. The soil chemistry is heavily influenced by the region's distinctive Permian red bed geology.
Sandy Texture with Medium Silt
The soil is nearly half sand at 47.1%, which is balanced by 29.6% silt and 21.0% clay. This creates a gritty texture that allows for decent drainage but remains prone to wind erosion if left uncovered. Farmers in the area often use conservation tillage to protect this specific sandy mix.
High Water Capacity, Low Carbon
Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.21%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. Despite this, the soil has a high available water capacity of 0.141 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.133 in/in. This means the soil is efficient at holding onto the limited rainfall the region receives.
Adapting to Data Limitations
While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not digitally recorded for the entire county, the sandy composition suggests generally rapid movement. Growers should watch for localized areas where clay might cause pooling after heavy rains. Local knowledge remains the best guide for managing water on individual plots.
Resilient Growing in Zone 8a
In Zone 8a, growers find success with heat-tolerant varieties of wheat, cotton, and forage grasses. For home gardeners, raised beds with added compost can overcome the lower organic matter and high pH. Start your project today and utilize the high water storage capacity of Stonewall's red soils.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy fine sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.5. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Stonewall County have?
Stonewall County's soil is classified as Loamy fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 30% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stonewall County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stonewall County's soil has a pH of 7.5, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Stonewall County?
Stonewall County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Stonewall County's soil?
Based on Stonewall County's Loamy fine sand texture, pH of 7.5, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Stonewall County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Stonewall County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Stonewall County
Soil Verdict
Stonewall County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Stonewall County closely matches the Texas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Stonewall 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.