Audrain County Soil Data

Audrain County, Missouri

Avg pH

6.3

Texture

Silty clay loam

Drainage

Well drained

Organic Matter

2.2%

Hydrologic Group

C

Data Story

About Soil in Audrain County, Missouri

Audrain's Balanced Entisols

Audrain County sits on Entisols with a pH of 6.34, placing it comfortably near the national median of 6.5. This silty clay loam is less acidic than the Missouri average, which usually hovers around 6.09.

Silky Silty Clay Loams

The composition is dominated by 65.3% silt, with 13.7% sand and 20.6% clay providing structure. This high silt percentage makes the soil silky to the touch and very easy for roots to penetrate.

Elite Water Capacity

The county excels in water storage with an Available Water Capacity of 0.208 in/in, far surpassing the state average of 0.183. While organic matter at 2.22% is lower than the state average, it still exceeds the national average of 2.0%.

Reliable Drainage for Farming

As a well-drained soil in Hydrologic Group C, Audrain manages rainfall effectively for agricultural use. These properties make it reliable for consistent crop yields and stable for light construction projects.

Ideal Growth in Zone 6b

In Hardiness Zone 6b, gardeners have a long growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and melons. The exceptional water capacity means your plants will stay hydrated even during the hot Missouri July.

Soil Composition

Silty clay loam
Sand: 13.7%
Silt: 65.3%
Clay: 20.6%
Silty clay loam

Soil pH

6.3pH
6.33538957901331
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 C — Moderate-High Runoff

Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.

Runoff potential:Moderate-High

Drainage Class

Well drained

Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Silty clay 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 Audrain County have?

Audrain County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 65% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Audrain County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Audrain County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Audrain County?

Audrain County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.

What crops or plants grow well in Audrain County's soil?

Based on Audrain County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 6.3, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.

What USDA soil order is found in Audrain County?

Audrain County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.

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.