Buchanan County Soil Data
Buchanan County, Missouri
Avg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Buchanan County, Missouri
Balanced pH in Buchanan County
Buchanan County maintains a pH of 6.58, almost perfectly aligning with the national median of 6.5. This balanced chemistry creates an inviting environment for most traditional garden crops and row agriculture.
Fine-Textured Soils for Water Storage
With 26.7% clay and 60.6% silt, these soils are quite heavy and fine-textured. The low sand content of 12.4% means the soil can be prone to compaction if worked while wet.
Top-Tier Soil Quality Scores
Buchanan earns an impressive soil score of 75.6, well above the state average of 64.2. Its available water capacity of 0.199 ensures that crops have access to steady moisture throughout the growing season.
Inland Stability and Hydrology
While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are limited for this region, the high clay content suggests slow permeability. Gardeners should monitor moisture levels closely to avoid root rot in these heavy soils.
Success in Hardiness Zone 6a
The slightly cooler zone 6a environment is perfect for cool-season crops like kale and peas. Utilize the county's high-scoring soil to start a productive backyard vegetable patch 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
Drainage class data not available.
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 Buchanan County have?
Buchanan County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 12% sand, 61% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Buchanan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Buchanan County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Buchanan County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Buchanan County.
What crops or plants grow well in Buchanan County's soil?
Based on Buchanan County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Buchanan County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Buchanan County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Buchanan 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.