Dunklin County Soil Data
Dunklin County, Missouri
Avg pH
6.1
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dunklin County, Missouri
Near-Neutral Soils of the Bootheel
Dunklin County features a pH of 6.05, which closely tracks the Missouri state average of 6.09. This level is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than many of its more acidic neighbors in the Ozarks.
Balanced Silt and Sand Mix
The soil is comprised of 52.5% silt and 27.5% sand, giving it a light, versatile structure. Clay content sits at 20.0%, providing enough body to retain nutrients without becoming overly compacted or difficult to plow.
High Water Capacity, Low Organic Base
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.68%, falling below the state average of 4.74%. However, the available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is higher than the state norm, ensuring crops have better access to moisture during heat waves.
Subaqueous Soils in the Delta
Dunklin's subaqueous drainage class reflects its position in the low-lying Missouri Bootheel where water levels are naturally high. Traditional farming and building require specialized drainage management to handle this persistent saturation.
Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7b
With a 7b hardiness rating, this is one of the warmest spots in Missouri for gardening. The high water capacity makes it ideal for thirsty crops like melons or cotton; start your seeds early to take advantage of the warmth.
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 Dunklin County have?
Dunklin County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 52% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dunklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dunklin County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Dunklin County?
Dunklin 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 Dunklin County's soil?
Based on Dunklin County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Dunklin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dunklin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dunklin 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.