Yoakum County Soil Data
Yoakum County, Texas
Avg pH
7.8
Texture
Extremely gravelly loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Yoakum County, Texas
Alkaline Gravelly Loam in West Texas
With a pH of 7.80, Yoakum’s soil is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09. The landscape is dominated by extremely gravelly loam, though its specific taxonomic classification remains unrecorded in current datasets.
High Sand Content Drives Soil Texture
Sand makes up a heavy 65.0% of the soil profile, balanced by 18.5% silt and 16.5% clay. This high sand percentage provides excellent workability but suggests that nutrients may leach through the soil more quickly than in finer textures.
Challenging Organic Levels for Arid Lands
Organic matter sits at 1.19%, trailing both the state average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.133, requiring careful irrigation management for crops.
Stable Drainage for Rural Infrastructure
The soil is classified as moderately well drained and falls into hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate infiltration rate. These characteristics offer a reliable foundation for both agricultural operations and local construction projects.
Gardening in the Zone 7b High Plains
Hardiness Zone 7b allows for a variety of heat-tolerant vegetables and native grasses that can handle alkaline conditions. While the overall soil score is a low 11.3, dedicated soil amendments like compost can help a backyard garden thrive.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Extremely gravelly loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Yoakum County have?
Yoakum County's soil is classified as Extremely gravelly loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 65% sand, 18% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Yoakum County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Yoakum County's soil has a pH of 7.8, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Yoakum County?
Yoakum County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Yoakum County's soil?
Based on Yoakum County's Extremely gravelly loam texture, pH of 7.8, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Yoakum County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Yoakum County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Yoakum 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.