Tarrant County Soil Data
Tarrant County, Texas
Avg pH
6.6
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Tarrant County, Texas
Neutral Entisols in the Metroplex
Tarrant County's dominant soils are Entisols with a fine sandy loam texture. The average pH of 6.63 is very close to the national median of 6.5, making it more neutral than the typical Texas soil average of 7.09.
Sandy Loam Provides Quick Drainage
With 39.5% sand and only 25.9% clay, these soils are easy to work and resist compaction. The high sand content ensures that roots have plenty of oxygen, though it may require more frequent watering than heavier soils.
Steady Water Capacity for Urban Landscapes
Organic matter levels reach 1.55%, slightly trailing the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.132 in/in matches the Texas average, providing a reliable foundation for suburban lawns and gardens.
Superior Infiltration for Building and Gardening
The county is well drained and categorized under hydrologic group A, the highest infiltration class. This makes the soil excellent for construction and prevents standing water after North Texas thunderstorms.
Gardening Success in Zone 8b
Hardiness zone 8b allows for a long growing season that favors heat-tolerant vegetables and native prairie grasses. You can easily start a productive kitchen garden here thanks to the neutral pH and excellent drainage.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Tarrant County have?
Tarrant County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 26% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Tarrant County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Tarrant County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Tarrant County?
Tarrant County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Tarrant County's soil?
Based on Tarrant County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 6.6, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Tarrant County?
Tarrant County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Tarrant 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.