Daviess County Soil Data

Daviess County, Missouri

Avg 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

Silty Clay Loam
Sand: 15.2%
Silt: 57.5%
Clay: 27.3%
Silty Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.4pH
6.36379053412291
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

Subaqueous

Drainage class: Subaqueous

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Silty Clay 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 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.

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.