Atchison County Soil Data
Atchison County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Atchison County, Missouri
Alkaline Outlier in the Northwest
Atchison County soil is uniquely alkaline for the region, with a pH of 6.80 that sits above the national median of 6.5. This makes it an outlier in Missouri, where the state average pH is much lower at 6.09.
Dense Silt and Clay
The profile consists of 14.2% sand, 58.5% silt, and 27.3% clay, a blend that prioritizes water retention over drainage. This mix provides a steady supply of moisture to plant roots but can become compacted if worked while too wet.
Healthy Biological Foundations
At 0.197 in/in, the Available Water Capacity is better than the state average of 0.183, giving plants a buffer against drought. Organic matter measures 2.79%, providing a healthy biological foundation that outperforms the 2.0% national average.
Moisture-Heavy Landscapes
Classified as subaqueous drainage, this soil interacts with water in ways that suggest a very high water table or seasonal saturation. Farmers and builders should account for this moisture profile when planning drainage systems or foundation work.
Cold-Hardy Zone 5b Planting
Residents in Zone 5b can grow hardy favorites like kale, carrots, and apples. The alkaline-leaning pH and high water capacity make this an ideal spot to experiment with a diverse fruit and vegetable garden.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Subaqueous
Drainage class: Subaqueous
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Atchison County have?
Atchison County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 59% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Atchison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Atchison County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Atchison County?
Atchison County has a dominant drainage class of "Subaqueous." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Atchison County's soil?
Based on Atchison County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.8, and Subaqueous, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Atchison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Atchison County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Atchison County
Soil Verdict
Atchison County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Atchison County is somewhat cooler than the Missouri statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Atchison County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Missouri
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.