Atoka County Soil Data
Atoka County, Oklahoma
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Atoka County, Oklahoma
Acidic Profiles in Atoka
Atoka County features an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.53, lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the region but trails the Oklahoma state average of 6.06.
Balanced Sand and Clay Ratios
The soil contains 45.2% sand and 19.2% clay, which creates a fairly balanced texture for agricultural work. With 27.5% silt, the mix provides enough fine particles to assist with nutrient retention.
Resilient Water Holding Capacity
Organic matter stands at 1.40%, which is below the state average of 1.72%. However, the water capacity of 0.138 in/in remains close to the state average of 0.144, supporting decent crop resilience.
High Runoff Potential Challenges
The soil falls into Hydrologic Group D, which typically indicates high runoff potential and slow water movement. Gardeners and builders should account for these slow infiltration rates when planning drainage.
Heat-Tolerant Crops in Zone 8a
Zone 8a offers a long growing season for heat-tolerant plants like okra and sweet potatoes. Adding compost will help improve the low organic matter and make the most of Atoka's warm climate.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
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.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Water
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Atoka County have?
Atoka County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 28% silt, and 19% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Atoka County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Atoka County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Atoka County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Atoka County.
What crops or plants grow well in Atoka County's soil?
Based on Atoka County's Water texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Atoka County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Atoka County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Atoka County
Soil Verdict
Atoka County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Atoka County is somewhat warmer than the Oklahoma statewide average. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Atoka County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Oklahoma
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.