Barton County Soil Data
Barton County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Barton County, Missouri
Barton's Typical Missouri pH
Barton County soil features a pH of 5.91, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but typical for Missouri. The overall soil score of 63.2 is very close to the state average, indicating standard agricultural potential.
Sandy-Silt Mix for Drainage
The physical mix includes 27.3% sand, 52.4% silt, and 19.0% clay. This relatively high sand content compared to northern neighbors improves drainage and makes the soil easier to work in the early spring months.
Healthy Water Storage
Organic matter sits at 3.31%, which is healthy by national standards but below the Missouri average of 4.74%. The Available Water Capacity is 0.189 in/in, slightly outperforming the state average of 0.183.
Moderate Infiltration Rates
There is limited specific data on drainage classes for this county, but the sandy-silt composition suggests moderate infiltration. This prevents the soil from becoming overly heavy or waterlogged during the spring rainy season.
Long Seasons in Zone 7a
Barton County belongs to Zone 7a, offering a longer growing season than northern Missouri. The balanced water capacity and warmer climate create a great environment for growing everything from berries to squash.
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
Drainage class data not available.
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 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Barton County have?
Barton County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 52% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Barton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Barton County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Barton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Barton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Barton County's soil?
Based on Barton County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Barton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Barton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Barton County
Soil Verdict
Barton 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
Barton County is somewhat warmer than the Missouri statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Barton 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.