Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
8.1%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Franklin County, Missouri
The Forest-Derived Alfisols of Franklin
Franklin County's soil belongs to the Alfisols order, indicating a history of forest development and natural productivity. The average pH of 5.98 is slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.09, requiring occasional lime for some crops.
Silt Loam Textures and Fine Grains
The dominant texture is silt loam, formed by 57.3% silt and only 18.4% sand. This mix provides excellent nutrient retention, though the 15.3% clay content can lead to surface crusting if not managed correctly.
Rich Organic Reserves in the Valley
The soil contains 8.10% organic matter, nearly doubling the state average of 4.74%. While fertility is high, the available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is just below the Missouri average of 0.183.
Slow Drainage Challenges for Group D
The soil is classified as poorly drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating very slow infiltration. This makes the land prone to runoff and soggy spots, so raised beds are recommended for home gardeners.
Bountiful Harvests in Zone 6b
Zone 6b supports a wide range of vegetables from tomatoes to cool-season greens. Franklin’s high organic matter provides a fantastic base for heavy feeders like corn or squash; get digging this spring.
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
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 6.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Franklin County have?
Franklin County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 57% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Franklin County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Franklin County?
Franklin County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Franklin County's soil?
Based on Franklin County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.0, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Franklin County?
Franklin 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: Franklin County
Soil Verdict
Franklin County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Franklin County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Franklin 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.