Barry County Soil Data
Barry County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
5.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Barry County, Missouri
Acidic Profiles in Barry County
Barry County’s soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.62, falling well below both the national median of 6.5 and the state average. This level of acidity suggests a need for lime if growing pH-sensitive crops in this region.
Workable Silt-Heavy Blends
The soil blend contains 19.7% sand, 57.5% silt, and 15.2% clay. This lighter clay content helps with drainage and workability, though the high silt levels require careful management to prevent erosion on slopes.
Superior Organic Matter
Barry County stands out with a high organic matter content of 5.20%, which is well above the Missouri state average of 4.74%. However, the Available Water Capacity is lower than the state average at 0.143 in/in, meaning the soil dries out faster.
Navigating Subaqueous Terrain
The drainage is classified as subaqueous, suggesting the landscape retains significant moisture in low-lying areas. Growers should be mindful that while the soil holds less water internally, the terrain may stay wet longer.
Warm-Season Zone 7a Planting
Located in the warmer Zone 7a, Barry County is perfect for heat-loving plants like sweet potatoes and okra. Use that high organic matter to your advantage by starting a robust compost-fed vegetable garden this spring.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Barry County have?
Barry County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 57% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Barry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Barry County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Barry County?
Barry 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 Barry County's soil?
Based on Barry County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Barry County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Barry County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Barry County
Soil Verdict
Barry 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
Barry County is somewhat warmer than the Missouri statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Barry 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.