Gentry County Soil Data
Gentry County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
3.1%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Gentry County, Missouri
High-Quality Soils in Gentry County
Gentry County earns a high Soil Score of 75.1, driven by a pH of 6.31 that is the closest to the national median of 6.5 in the region. These Alfisols represent some of the most productive agricultural land in Northern Missouri.
Heavy Silt Loam with Clay Body
This silt loam consists of 57.7% silt and 26.8% clay, the highest clay percentage in this group. While 15.5% sand is low, the significant clay content helps the soil store nutrients effectively for long-term farming.
Superior Water Storage for Crops
The available water capacity is 0.202 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.183. Although organic matter at 3.11% is lower than the state mean, the soil's ability to hold water makes it highly resilient to drought.
Moderately Well Drained and Group D
The soil is moderately well drained, though it belongs to Hydrologic Group D with very slow infiltration. This combination means while the top layers dry out, the deep clay subsoil can lead to significant runoff during heavy rains.
Cooler Seasons in Zone 6a
Being in Zone 6a, Gentry County has slightly colder winters, but the high water capacity is a major asset for summer gardens. It is the perfect environment for root vegetables and grains; start your compost pile now to boost that organic matter.
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 Gentry County have?
Gentry County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 58% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Gentry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Gentry 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 Gentry County?
Gentry 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 Gentry County's soil?
Based on Gentry 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 Gentry County?
Gentry 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: Gentry County
Soil Verdict
Gentry 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
Gentry County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Gentry 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.