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What Is in Texas Red Clay Soil?
What Is in Texas Red Clay Soil?. Red clay derives its color from iron oxide, and is usually created through the breakdown of rocks in lower substrates. Red clay is commonly considered undesirable soil, and contact with it stains clothing.
Red clay derives its color from iron oxide, and is usually created through the breakdown of rocks in lower substrates. Red clay is commonly considered undesirable soil, and contact with it stains clothing.
History
Red clay is technically a subsoil, and it is usually found only where true topsoil has eroded. Poor agricultural practices and soil-stripping development of rural areas have contributed to its prevalence in many areas.
Composition
Because of the clay's unique composition, red clay soils are often rich in minerals. Calcium, potassium and magnesium are all loaded into red clay, and its water-retaining properties help clay hold onto nutrients such as nitrogen.
pH
Texas red clay has a low pH, usually near 5.5, which can pose an inhospitable environment to many plants and grasses. You can adjust the pH of red clay by adding lime.
Soil Quality
Surprisingly, after appropriate tilling, soil amendments and aeration, and with appropriate measures to water frequently during dry weather, red clay soils can support impressive gardens.
Soil Surveys
The U.S. National Resources Conservation Service conducts soil surveys for every county in Texas. The service's website provides detailed information about your county's soil composition.
