Sutton County Soil Data
Sutton County, Texas
Avg pH
7.4
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Sutton County, Texas
Rich Alkaline Soils of the Plateau
Sutton County features alkaline soil with a pH of 7.44, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is typical for the limestone-rich Edwards Plateau region of West Texas. These soils are known for their mineral content but can be shallow in many upland areas.
Heavy Clay and Silty Mix
The soil composition is very heavy, with 38.3% clay and 38.7% silt, and only 16.8% sand. This makes the soil feel dense and sticky when wet, and very hard when dry. It has excellent nutrient-holding capacity but can be difficult to work with manual garden tools.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
The county boasts a very high organic matter content of 3.79%, more than double the Texas state average of 1.66%. While the water capacity of 0.126 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high carbon levels provide a massive boost to soil health. This natural fertility supports a wide variety of native forage.
Heavy Soils in Hydrologic Group D
The soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D, which means it has very low infiltration rates and high runoff potential. Because of the high clay content, water moves slowly through the profile, increasing the risk of surface ponding. Building and gardening plans must include strategies for managing slow drainage.
Native Potential in Zone 8a
The fertile, clay-rich soils of Zone 8a are perfect for native pecans and resilient ranch grasses. Home gardeners can succeed with Mediterranean herbs and drought-tolerant perennials that appreciate the high mineral content. Use the natural organic richness of your soil to start a productive native landscape.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sutton County have?
Sutton County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 39% silt, and 38% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sutton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sutton County's soil has a pH of 7.4, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Sutton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sutton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sutton County's soil?
Based on Sutton County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 7.4, 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 Sutton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sutton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sutton 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.