Buchanan County Soil Data
Buchanan County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
C
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
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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?
Buchanan 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 Buchanan County's soil?
Based on Buchanan County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Buchanan County?
Buchanan County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Buchanan County
Soil Verdict
Buchanan County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Buchanan County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
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.