DeKalb County Soil Data
DeKalb County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in DeKalb County, Missouri
Productive Northern Alfisols
DeKalb County features Alfisols with a silt loam texture and an impressive soil score of 71.2. The average pH of 6.31 is slightly below the national median of 6.5 but remains much higher than the state average of 6.09.
Balanced Silt and Clay
The soil is comprised of 56.5% silt and 27.5% clay, which creates a heavy, nutrient-dense profile. The low 16.0% sand content means the soil stays moist longer, though it can be slow to warm up in the spring.
High Moisture Retention
Organic matter is healthy at 2.99%, well above the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.183, giving your plants an extra reservoir during the summer.
Slower Natural Drainage
The soil is moderately well drained and belongs to hydrologic group D. This indicates that water moves slowly through the soil profile, which is great for moisture-loving crops but requires attention to field drainage.
Bountiful Zone 6a Harvests
Hardiness zone 6a is well-suited for a variety of grains and vegetables like pumpkins and potatoes. These high-scoring soils provide the stability and nutrients needed to maintain a flourishing local garden.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does DeKalb County have?
DeKalb County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 16% sand, 57% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is DeKalb County's soil acidic or alkaline?
DeKalb County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for DeKalb County?
DeKalb County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in DeKalb County's soil?
Based on DeKalb County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.3, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in DeKalb County?
DeKalb County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Soil & Planting Advisory: DeKalb County
Soil Verdict
DeKalb 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
DeKalb County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for DeKalb 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.