Cape Girardeau County Soil Data
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.1
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
Cape Girardeau's Classic Alfisols
This county is characterized by Alfisols with a silt loam texture. The average pH of 6.08 almost exactly matches the Missouri state average, providing a standard baseline for local agriculture.
Silt Loam for Prime Farming
With a high silt content of 62.2% and 18.9% clay, these soils are famously fertile and easy to till. The 17.0% sand content provides enough aeration to prevent the earth from becoming too dense.
Top-Tier Water Retention
The available water capacity of 0.204 is among the best in the state, far exceeding the Missouri average. This high capacity, paired with a soil score of 73.0, indicates exceptional growing potential.
Efficient Drainage for Active Use
Classified as well drained and falling into hydrologic group C, the soil manages water effectively. This makes the land suitable for both large-scale farming and residential landscaping projects.
Sun-Loving Plants in Zone 7a
Being in the warmer zone 7a allows for a long, productive growing season for peppers and tomatoes. Take advantage of the superior water capacity to grow a lush, high-yielding vegetable garden.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cape Girardeau County have?
Cape Girardeau County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 62% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cape Girardeau County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau County?
Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau County's soil?
Based on Cape Girardeau County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Cape Girardeau County?
Cape Girardeau County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cape Girardeau County
Soil Verdict
Cape Girardeau County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Cape Girardeau County is somewhat warmer than the Missouri statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cape Girardeau 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.