Parker County Soil Data

Parker County, Texas

Avg 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

Sandy Loam
Sand: 54.3%
Silt: 24.9%
Clay: 19.7%
Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.1pH
7.05725352435045
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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.

Runoff potential:High

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Sandy Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently 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.

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.