Terrell County Soil Data
Terrell County, Texas
Avg pH
7.3
Texture
Variable
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Terrell County, Texas
Alkaline Soils of the Trans-Pecos
Terrell County features variable soil textures with an average pH of 7.28. This alkaline rating is higher than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the arid regions of West Texas.
High Silt Content in Arid Terrain
The soil is composed of 37.8% silt and 27.8% sand, a mix that can feel powdery when dry. With 24.2% clay, the soil has moderate structure but requires careful management to prevent surface crusting.
Surprisingly High Organic Matter
At 2.46%, the organic matter content is well above the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 1.66%. However, available water capacity is low at 0.113 in/in, reflecting the challenges of retaining moisture in this climate.
Well Drained but Slow to Absorb
While classified as well drained, the soil falls into hydrologic group D. This suggests that while water moves through the profile eventually, the initial absorption is very slow, often leading to flash runoff.
Resilient Plants for Zone 8b
The hardiness zone 8b climate is perfect for desert succulents, agave, and sotol. Gardeners should focus on native species that thrive in alkaline conditions and can withstand the low water capacity of the soil.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Variable
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Terrell County have?
Terrell County's soil is classified as Variable. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 38% silt, and 24% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Terrell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Terrell County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Terrell County?
Terrell 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 Terrell County's soil?
Based on Terrell County's Variable texture, pH of 7.3, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Terrell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Terrell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Terrell 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.