Trinity County Soil Data

Trinity County, Texas

Avg pH

5.6

Texture

Sandy Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.3%

Hydrologic Group

D

Data Story

About Soil in Trinity County, Texas

Acidic Profiles in the Piney Woods

Trinity County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.55, falling well below the Texas average of 7.09. This level is also significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, making it ideal for acid-loving forest species.

High Sand for Easy Workability

The ground is highly sandy, composed of 55.1% sand and only 14.4% clay. While this mixture offers easy workability and excellent aeration, the low clay levels mean the soil has a harder time holding onto essential plant nutrients.

Water Storage Beats State Benchmarks

Despite having lower organic matter at 1.34% compared to the state's 1.66%, Trinity County excels in water storage. Its available water capacity of 0.135 in/in is higher than the Texas average, helping plants survive dry spells.

Managing Water in Slow-Draining Soils

The county is categorized in Hydrologic Group D, suggesting slow water movement through the soil profile despite the high sand content. This paradox requires gardeners to monitor for standing water during the wet season.

Garden Success in Zone 9a

Trinity County’s 9a hardiness zone is perfect for blueberries and azaleas that thrive in acidic, sandy environments. Although the soil score is 23.7, targeted composting can quickly turn these forest soils into a productive home garden.

Soil Composition

Sandy Loam
Sand: 55.1%
Silt: 30.5%
Clay: 14.4%
Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.6pH
5.55051610186078
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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.

Runoff potential:High

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Sandy Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Trinity County have?

Trinity County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 30% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Trinity County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Trinity County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Trinity County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Trinity County.

What crops or plants grow well in Trinity County's soil?

Based on Trinity County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.

What USDA soil order is found in Trinity County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Trinity County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.