Howell County Soil Data
Howell County, Missouri
Avg pH
5.7
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Howell County, Missouri
Acidic Ozark Soils in Howell
Howell County's soil is quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.72 compared to the national median of 6.5. This is lower than the Missouri state average of 6.09 and often requires lime to neutralize for most garden crops. Specific taxonomic orders and textures for the dominant soil are not recorded in the current dataset.
Silt-Rich but Clay-Light Composition
The county's soil composition features a high silt content of 60.8% and a relatively low clay content of 13.2%. Sand makes up 22.6% of the mix, providing some structural variety. This high silt percentage can make the soil feel floury when dry and slippery when wet.
High Organic Matter, Low Water Capacity
The soil contains 4.13% organic matter, which is more than double the national average and nearing the Missouri state average of 4.74%. However, the Available Water Capacity is low at 0.165 in/in, trailing the state average of 0.183 in/in. While the soil is rich in carbon, it may struggle to keep plants watered during a drought.
Navigating Subaqueous Soil Conditions
The dominant drainage class is listed as subaqueous, which identifies soils that are frequently under water or saturated. This suggests that low-lying areas in Howell County may require special drainage infrastructure for farming or building. Without specific hydrologic group data, on-site surveys are essential for any development.
Vibrant Growing in Hardiness Zone 7a
As part of Zone 7a, Howell County enjoys a warmer climate and a longer growing season than most of Missouri. Blueberries and azaleas, which love acidic soil, are perfect candidates for this environment. Take advantage of the mild winters and start your acid-loving garden this spring.
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 Howell County have?
Howell County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 61% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Howell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Howell County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Howell County?
Howell 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 Howell County's soil?
Based on Howell County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Howell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Howell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Howell 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.