Parker County Soil Data
Parker County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Parker County, Texas
Balanced North Texas Chemistry
Parker County maintains a very balanced pH of 7.06, nearly identical to the state average. This neutral profile is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but is ideal for many native species. It provides a stable chemical baseline for most landscaping and farming projects.
Sandy Loam Characteristics
The soil contains 54.3% sand, balanced by 24.9% silt and 19.7% clay. This high sand percentage aids in aeration and makes the soil easier to work than the heavy clays found further east. It provides a resilient structure for gardens and small farms alike.
Competitive Soil Performance
At 1.46%, organic matter is slightly below the state average, but the overall soil score of 31.6 is quite healthy. The available water capacity sits at 0.132 in/in, right on par with the Texas average of 0.133. This makes for a reliable, if not extraordinary, growing medium.
Managing Slow Water Infiltration
Categorized in Hydrologic Group D, this soil often experiences slow water infiltration when saturated. This means that during heavy Texas rains, water is more likely to run off the surface than soak in deeply. Proper grading and mulch can help capture more of that vital rainwater.
Peaches and Summer Squash
Parker County is famous for its peaches, which love the well-aerated sandy soil of Zone 8a. Neutral pH also supports a huge variety of vegetables and ornamental flowers. Take advantage of the long growing season by starting your seeds in early spring.
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
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Parker County have?
Parker County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 25% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Parker County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Parker County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Parker County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Parker County.
What crops or plants grow well in Parker County's soil?
Based on Parker County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.1, 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 Parker County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Parker County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Parker County
Soil Verdict
Parker 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
Parker County closely matches the Texas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-8b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Parker 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.