Cooke County Soil Data
Cooke County, Texas
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Cooke County, Texas
Moderately Alkaline Soils in Cooke County
Cooke County features an average pH of 7.17, which sits slightly higher than the Texas average of 7.09 and notably above the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the slightly alkaline nature indicates a mineral-rich environment common across North Texas. This chemical profile generally supports a wide range of local vegetation without intensive lime treatments.
A Sandy Foundation with Balanced Clay
The soil composition is predominantly sandy at 52.6%, balanced by equal parts silt and clay at 23.7% each. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work and provides decent aeration for root systems. The significant clay fraction helps the soil hold its structure better than purely sandy coastal soils.
Reliable Water Storage Despite Lower Organic Matter
The organic matter content stands at 1.48%, which is below the state average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.139 in/in exceeds the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. This means the soil is surprisingly efficient at storing moisture for crops during dry spells.
Challenging Drainage in Hydrologic Group D
Classified under hydrologic group D, these soils typically exhibit high runoff potential and very slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wet. This classification suggests that while the surface is sandy, deeper layers may restrict water movement significantly. Builders and farmers should plan for potential ponding during heavy North Texas rain events.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a
With a USDA hardiness zone of 8a, Cooke County is ideal for heat-tolerant favorites like pecans, peaches, and blackberries. The sandy-mix soil provides a great home for native grasses and resilient ornamental shrubs. Grab your shovel and start a garden today to take advantage of this region's long growing season.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cooke County have?
Cooke County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 24% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cooke County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cooke County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Cooke County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cooke County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cooke County's soil?
Based on Cooke County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Cooke County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cooke County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cooke 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.