Zapata County Soil Data
Zapata County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Zapata County, Texas
Alkaline Soils of the Rio Grande Valley
Zapata County features an alkaline soil pH of 7.44, which is higher than both the national 6.5 median and the state average of 7.09. This alkalinity influences which minerals are available to plants, often requiring specialized management for acid-loving crops.
Coarse Textures and Southern Sands
The soil is composed of 49.1% sand, 24.8% silt, and 23.0% clay, roughly splitting the difference between sandy and loamy types. This composition aids in drainage, though the lack of a specific texture classification makes precise local management important.
Low Organic Matter in Arid South Texas
Organic matter measures just 1.05%, which is notably lower than the state average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. An available water capacity of 0.124 in/in means the soil holds less moisture than the average Texas profile, making efficient irrigation vital.
Managing Water in Unclassified Drainage Areas
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded for Zapata County’s primary soils. Landowners should observe how water moves across their specific acreage to determine if the 18.8 soil score impacts their specific site.
Year-Round Growing in Zone 9b
The subtropical climate of Zone 9b allows for citrus and winter vegetables that would freeze elsewhere in the state. Despite the lean organic matter, the long growing season offers a great opportunity for heat-loving tropical plants.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Zapata County have?
Zapata County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 25% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Zapata County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Zapata 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 Zapata County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Zapata County.
What crops or plants grow well in Zapata County's soil?
Based on Zapata County's 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 Zapata County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Zapata County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Zapata County
Soil Verdict
Zapata County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 25°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Zapata County is somewhat warmer than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Zapata 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.