Caldwell County Soil Data
Caldwell County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.1
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Caldwell County, Missouri
Caldwell County's Acidic Baseline
Caldwell County's soil averages a pH of 6.12, falling below the national median of 6.5 but sitting near the state average. This level is generally manageable for most Missouri forage and grain crops.
High Clay and Silt Concentration
The soil contains 27.2% clay and 57.9% silt, making it one of the heavier compositions in the region. Only 14.4% of the soil is sand, which results in a dense texture that holds nutrients tightly.
Superior Water Holding Capacity
With an available water capacity of 0.200, Caldwell's soil outperforms the state average for moisture retention. This high capacity is vital for sustaining plants during the dry mid-summer months.
Managing Water in Dense Soil
Classified as subaqueous, the local drainage patterns suggest that water may linger on the surface. Gardeners should consider raised beds to help manage the high clay content and prevent saturation.
Northern Missouri Growing in 6a
In hardiness zone 6a, gardeners can enjoy success with hardy perennials and orchard fruits. The county's soil score of 69.3 indicates a solid foundation for a thriving home landscape.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Caldwell County have?
Caldwell County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 58% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Caldwell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Caldwell County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Caldwell County?
Caldwell 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 Caldwell County's soil?
Based on Caldwell County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Caldwell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Caldwell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Caldwell County
Soil Verdict
Caldwell 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
Caldwell County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Caldwell 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.