Douglas County Soil Data
Douglas County, Missouri
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
6.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Douglas County, Missouri
Douglas County's Distinct Acidic Character
The average pH here is 5.59, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.09 and the national benchmark of 6.5. While local taxonomic orders are not currently recorded, this low pH shapes the entire agricultural landscape.
Fine Silt Dominates the Landscape
The soil composition features a dominant 56.4% silt and 25.2% sand, providing a balanced but fine-grained texture. Because clay content is low at 11.7%, the soil remains relatively loose and workable compared to Missouri's heavier clay regions.
Strong Organic Matter, Low Water Storage
Douglas County boasts 5.96% organic matter, outperforming the state average of 4.74%. However, available water capacity is 0.148 in/in, indicating plants may face stress during dry Missouri summers more quickly than in neighboring counties.
Navigating Subaqueous Soil Conditions
The primary drainage class is subaqueous, which identifies soil that stays saturated for long durations. This classification requires careful management for any construction or gardening project that relies on dry root systems.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7a
As part of Hardiness Zone 7a, Douglas County enjoys a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. The rich organic matter supports robust vegetable production, making it a great place to start a backyard orchard.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Douglas County have?
Douglas County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 56% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Douglas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Douglas County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Douglas County?
Douglas 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 Douglas County's soil?
Based on Douglas County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Douglas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Douglas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Douglas 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.