Bates County Soil Data
Bates County, Missouri
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bates County, Missouri
Chemically Balanced Bates County
Bates County soil has an average pH of 6.28, which is nearly neutral compared to the national median of 6.5. This makes the soil more chemically balanced for nutrient uptake than the average Missouri county.
Nutrient-Rich Clay Content
The composition is 14.9% sand, 58.4% silt, and 26.7% clay, creating a dense but nutrient-rich profile. The high clay and silt percentages ensure that fertilizer and minerals stay in the root zone rather than leaching away.
Drought-Resistant Soil
The Available Water Capacity is 0.190 in/in, beating the state average of 0.183 and helping crops survive dry spells. Organic matter is 2.60%, which is lower than the state average but remains above the national average of 2.0%.
Managing Saturated Grounds
Drainage is classified as subaqueous, indicating that some land may be prone to sitting in water or having a shallow water table. This requires careful site selection for gardening to avoid root rot in sensitive plant varieties.
Zone 6b Vegetable Staples
In Hardiness Zone 6b, the climate is ideal for staples like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. With a soil score of 66.4, you have a solid foundation to produce a bountiful harvest with just a little attention to drainage.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bates County have?
Bates County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 58% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bates County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bates 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 Bates County?
Bates 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 Bates County's soil?
Based on Bates County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Bates County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bates County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bates 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.