Cedar County Soil Data
Cedar County, Missouri
Avg pH
5.8
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Cedar County, Missouri
Cedar County’s Acidic Entisols
Cedar County is dominated by Entisols with an average pH of 5.85, indicating a more acidic profile than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical of the region and falls slightly below the state average of 6.09.
Silty Clay Loam Texture
With a composition of 58.9% silt and 22.7% sand, these soils are categorized as silty clay loams. The 16.7% clay content is relatively low for Missouri, which can improve drainage while maintaining enough structure for farming.
Steady Growth Potential
The soil's available water capacity of 0.185 in/in is almost exactly in line with the Missouri state average. Organic matter levels at 2.94% provide a solid biological foundation, even if they don't reach the high state average of 4.74%.
Reliable Natural Drainage
These soils are well-drained and belong to Hydrologic Group C. This means while the soil moves water well, there is still a risk of runoff during heavy Ozark thunderstorms, requiring erosion control measures on sloped land.
Zone 7a Growing Success
The mild winters of Zone 7a combined with well-drained silty loams make Cedar County excellent for orchard fruits. Get your garden started with confidence, as these soils provide a stable environment for most Missouri-native species.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cedar County have?
Cedar County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 59% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cedar County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cedar County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Cedar County?
Cedar 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 Cedar County's soil?
Based on Cedar County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Cedar County?
Cedar 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cedar 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.