Daviess County Soil Data
Daviess County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
3.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Daviess County, Missouri
High-Quality Agricultural Land
Daviess County earns a high soil score of 76.0, reflecting its excellent agricultural potential. Its pH of 6.36 is very close to the 6.5 national median, making it one of the more balanced soils in the region.
Strong Clay Influence
The soil contains 27.3% clay and 57.5% silt, which is a heavier mix that excels at holding onto nutrients. With only 15.2% sand, this soil provides a firm, rich medium for deep-rooted crops.
Superior Water Storage
The organic matter level of 3.12% is robust compared to the national average. More importantly, the available water capacity of 0.202 in/in is significantly higher than the state average, offering great drought resistance.
Managed Saturated Conditions
While taxonomic data is sparse, the drainage is classified as subaqueous. This suggests that while the soil is highly productive, users must be mindful of high water tables and potential seasonal ponding.
Productive Zone 6a Gardening
The 6a hardiness zone is perfect for northern Missouri staples like apples and root vegetables. Take advantage of the high soil score and start a garden that benefits from some of the best water capacity in the state.
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: 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 Daviess County have?
Daviess County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 57% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Daviess County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Daviess County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Daviess County?
Daviess 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 Daviess County's soil?
Based on Daviess County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Daviess County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Daviess County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Daviess County
Soil Verdict
Daviess 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
Daviess County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Daviess 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.