Camden County Soil Data
Camden County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Camden County, Missouri
Camden County's Acidic Ozark Soil
Camden County soils average a pH of 5.87, making them notably more acidic than the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, this profile is typical of the rugged Ozark terrain.
A Grittier Silt Foundation
The soil contains 22.2% sand and 59.5% silt, offering a more porous structure than many Missouri counties. With only 15.7% clay, the soil is easier to work but may lose nutrients faster.
Lower Capacity in Rugged Terrain
The available water capacity of 0.162 is below the state average, indicating the soil dries out more quickly. A 2.54% organic matter level means gardeners may need to add compost to boost fertility.
Understanding Local Water Movement
Dominant drainage is classified as subaqueous, which often means the land is prone to saturation in specific low spots. Planning for proper drainage is essential when building or planting in these areas.
Ozark Gardening in Zone 6b
Despite a lower soil score of 49.7, zone 6b allows for a great variety of native Missouri plants. Focus on drought-tolerant species to accommodate the lower water capacity of the local earth.
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
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 Camden County have?
Camden County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 59% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Camden County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Camden 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 Camden County?
Camden 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 Camden County's soil?
Based on Camden County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Camden County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Camden County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Camden County
Soil Verdict
Camden County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Camden County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Camden 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.