Dallas County Soil Data
Dallas County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dallas County, Missouri
Distinctive Acidic Profile
Dallas County soil has a pH of 5.93, falling below the Missouri state average and the 6.5 national median. While the overall soil score is 54.4, these soils remain capable of supporting diverse local vegetation.
High Silt Composition
Silt makes up 61.2% of the soil, with sand accounting for 20.9% and clay at 17.0%. This mix indicates a soil that feels smooth to the touch and offers moderate workability for agricultural use.
Reliable Organic Content
Organic matter stands at 2.60%, which is healthy compared to the 2.0% national benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.174 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, suggesting a need for supplemental irrigation during dry weeks.
Water-Influenced Subaqueous Soils
The dominant drainage is subaqueous, indicating that many soils in the county are prone to saturation. This requires careful management for farming and specialized engineering for any significant building projects.
Hardy Growth in Zone 6b
Hardiness zone 6b supports a variety of native Missouri plants and cool-season vegetables. With a bit of lime to balance the pH, your Dallas County garden can produce a bountiful harvest.
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 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dallas County have?
Dallas County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 61% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dallas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dallas County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Dallas County?
Dallas 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 Dallas County's soil?
Based on Dallas County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Dallas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dallas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Dallas County
Soil Verdict
Dallas 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
Dallas County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dallas 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.