Harrison County Soil Data
Harrison County, Missouri
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Harrison County, Missouri
A Slightly Acidic Foundation in Harrison
Harrison County features a pH level of 6.36, placing it slightly above the Missouri state average of 6.09. While this is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it remains within a healthy range for many staple crops. Specific taxonomic and texture classifications are currently unavailable for this area.
Silt-Heavy Soils Drive Strong Performance
The soil contains 53.3% silt and 26.8% clay, creating a heavy-bodied profile that holds its shape well. With only 19.9% sand, these fields focus on nutrient retention rather than rapid drainage. This mix offers a solid foundation for agriculture but requires careful management to avoid compaction.
Superior Water Storage for Local Crops
At 3.04%, the organic matter content beats the national average of 2.0% but falls short of the state average of 4.74%. The county excels in Available Water Capacity at 0.201 in/in, which is significantly higher than the Missouri average of 0.183 in/in. This makes Harrison's soil particularly resilient during dry spells.
Managing Subaqueous Soil Landscapes
The dominant drainage class is categorized as subaqueous, indicating unique water-saturated conditions in parts of the county. While specific hydrologic group data is missing, this classification suggests a need for specialized water management strategies for builders and farmers. Local land use must account for high moisture levels in the soil profile.
Resilient Growing in Hardiness Zone 5b
Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Harrison County supports hardy vegetables and cool-season grains. The high water capacity and respectable soil score of 75.3 provide an excellent starting point for any garden. Start your planting season early with cold-tolerant crops like kale or peas.
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 Harrison County have?
Harrison County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 53% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Harrison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Harrison County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Harrison County?
Harrison 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 Harrison County's soil?
Based on Harrison County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Harrison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Harrison County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.