Wheeler County Soil Data
Wheeler County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Wheeler County, Texas
Alkaline Soils of the Panhandle
Wheeler County’s soil has an average pH of 7.23, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This measurement is very close to the Texas state average of 7.09. The county’s soil score of 25.8 is slightly lower than the state average of 28.8.
Sandy and Silty Composition
The soil contains 51.2% sand, 29.1% silt, and only 16.4% clay. This low clay percentage means the soil is less likely to become heavy and sticky but may struggle to retain minerals. The high silt content helps provide some of the necessary structure for dryland farming.
Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity
Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.22%, trailing the Texas average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.134 in/in is almost exactly on par with the state average. This suggests that while nutrients are lean, the soil can hold moisture reasonably well for the region.
Slow Infiltration in Group D Soils
The county is dominated by Hydrologic Group D soils, which are prone to high runoff when saturated. In the Panhandle climate, this means water can be lost quickly during heavy storms rather than soaking into the ground. Mulching is highly recommended to help capture and retain that precious rainfall.
Cold-Hardy Gardening in Zone 7a
Wheeler County is in Hardiness Zone 7a, meaning it faces much colder winters than South Texas counties. Focus on hardy crops like kale, carrots, and apples that can handle the occasional deep freeze. With a little organic compost, your Panhandle garden can be incredibly productive.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wheeler County have?
Wheeler County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 51% sand, 29% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wheeler County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wheeler 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 Wheeler County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wheeler County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wheeler County's soil?
Based on Wheeler County's 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 Wheeler County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wheeler County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wheeler County
Soil Verdict
Wheeler County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. 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
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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Wheeler County is somewhat cooler than the Texas statewide average. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wheeler 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.