Parke County Soil Data
Parke County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Parke County, Indiana
Parke County's Rich Inceptisols
Dominating Parke County are Inceptisols with a silty clay loam texture and a pH of 6.31. This pH level is one of the closest to the national median of 6.5 in the region, making it very versatile for different plant species.
Balanced Clay and Silt Mix
The soil contains a substantial 31.4% sand and 51.0% silt, providing a grit that aids in physical structure. The 16.7% clay content provides enough stickiness to hold nutrients without becoming an impenetrable block when dry.
Strong Organic Foundation
With 2.95% organic matter, Parke County exceeds the national average of 2.0%. Its available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is slightly better than the state average, providing a reliable buffer against summer heat.
Navigating Poor Drainage Realities
These soils are poorly drained and fall under hydrologic group C/D. Surface water tends to linger, so raised beds are highly recommended for home gardeners to prevent root rot during wet Indiana springs.
A High-Scoring Garden Spot
Boasting a soil score of 74.5, Parke County outperforms the state average for quality. In zone 6a, you can successfully grow everything from sweet corn to heirloom tomatoes with minimal extra effort.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Parke County have?
Parke County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 51% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Parke County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Parke County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Parke County?
Parke County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Parke County's soil?
Based on Parke County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 6.3, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Parke County?
Parke County's dominant soil order is Inceptisols. Inceptisols are young soils with weak horizon development. They occur in a wide range of climates and parent materials.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Parke County
Soil Verdict
Parke County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Parke County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Parke County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Indiana
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.