Crawford County Soil Data
Crawford County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
9.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Crawford County, Missouri
Acidic and Organic Rich
Crawford County features an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.75, which is lower than both the national median and the state average. This acidity level is common in the region and often requires lime treatment for standard garden crops.
High Silt, Low Clay
The soil mix is 55.6% silt and 20.0% sand, leaving a relatively low clay content of 13.2%. This composition suggests a soil that is less likely to become sticky or compacted but may require careful management of nutrient leaching.
Exceptional Organic Matter
The county records a massive 9.38% organic matter, nearly five times the national average. Despite this, the available water capacity is 0.159 in/in, which is lower than the state average, suggesting the soil drains very quickly.
Saturated Subaqueous Conditions
Dominant drainage is classified as subaqueous, which typically points to soils influenced by high water tables or permanent saturation in certain areas. This unique hydrology requires specialized site assessment before building or planting.
Zone 6b Woodland Gardens
In hardiness zone 6b, the high organic matter is perfect for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. Focus your gardening efforts on species that thrive in Missouri's more unique, carbon-rich soil environments.
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 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Crawford County have?
Crawford County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 56% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Crawford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Crawford County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Crawford County?
Crawford 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 Crawford County's soil?
Based on Crawford County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Crawford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Crawford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Crawford County
Soil Verdict
Crawford 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
Crawford County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Crawford 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.