Clay County Soil Data

Clay County, Missouri

Avg pH

6.5

Texture

Silt Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

2.7%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Clay County, Missouri

Clay County’s Top-Tier Soil

Clay County boasts a premier soil score of 76.2 and a near-perfect pH of 6.52. This matches the national median almost exactly, providing one of the most favorable chemical environments for plants in Missouri.

Silt-Dominated Productivity

The soil is 61.2% silt and 26.1% clay, with very little sand at just 12.2%. This high silt content makes for a very smooth, fertile soil that holds both nutrients and structure exceptionally well.

Exceptional Water and Nutrients

An available water capacity of 0.200 in/in ensures that crops have access to water even during dry spells. Combined with 2.72% organic matter, this soil provides a rich, reliable medium for high-yield gardening.

Stable and Productive Land

Though specific taxonomic orders and drainage classes are broadly categorized, the high score indicates very few limitations for land use. The heavy silt and clay profile suggests a stable foundation for both agriculture and development.

Perfect Planting in Zone 6a

The combination of ideal pH and high water capacity makes Clay County a gardener’s dream in Zone 6a. Whether you are planting flowers or food, these soils are ready to support a thriving, lush landscape.

Soil Composition

Silt Loam
Sand: 12.2%
Silt: 61.2%
Clay: 26.1%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.5pH
6.5240422174802
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Hydrologic group data not available.

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Silt Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Clay County have?

Clay County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 12% sand, 61% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Clay County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Clay County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Clay County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Clay County.

What crops or plants grow well in Clay County's soil?

Based on Clay County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.

What USDA soil order is found in Clay County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Clay County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.