Carroll County Soil Data
Carroll County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Carroll County, Missouri
Carroll’s Well-Balanced Entisols
Carroll County features silty clay loam Entisols with an average pH of 6.45. This figure is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5 and is less acidic than the Missouri state average of 6.09.
Silt-Heavy Foundation for Growth
The soil composition consists of 56.2% silt and 27.0% clay, which provides excellent stability and nutrient retention. With only 16.8% sand, these soils can be dense but offer great workability for traditional Missouri agriculture.
Superior Water Retention Power
Organic matter sits at 2.72%, which is higher than the national average but below the Missouri state average of 4.74%. The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in outperforms the state average of 0.183 in/in, offering plants a steady supply of moisture.
Well Drained with Runoff Considerations
The land is classified as well-drained, though its Hydrologic Group C status suggests slower infiltration during intense rain. This combination is ideal for crops that dislike soggy roots but requires careful management of surface runoff.
Reliable Growing in Zone 6a
In USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, this high-scoring soil is famous for supporting robust corn and soybean yields. Residents should feel confident planting a home vegetable garden in these productive, moisture-holding silty loams.
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: 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 Carroll County have?
Carroll County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 56% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Carroll County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carroll County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Carroll County?
Carroll 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 Carroll County's soil?
Based on Carroll County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Carroll County?
Carroll County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Carroll County
Soil Verdict
Carroll 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
Carroll County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Carroll 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.