Jackson County Soil Data
Jackson County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jackson County, Missouri
Balanced Urban and Rural Soils
Jackson County maintains an average pH of 6.43, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. This is notably higher than the Missouri average of 6.09, offering a neutral foundation that most plants prefer. Data on taxonomic order and dominant texture is not currently available for this metropolitan region.
Silt-Heavy Mix with Minimal Sand
The soil composition is dominated by 64.3% silt and 24.2% clay, with just 10.8% sand. This fine-textured mix is excellent for retaining nutrients but can become slick and heavy when wet. The low sand content means these soils are less prone to drying out but require care to avoid compaction in high-traffic areas.
High Water Capacity for Steady Growth
Jackson County features a strong Available Water Capacity of 0.198 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter sits at 2.52%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but lower than the Missouri state average of 4.74%. This soil provides a reliable reservoir for water, supporting healthy lawns and crops alike.
Localized Drainage Knowledge is Key
There is currently no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group data available for Jackson County. Given the high silt and clay content, water likely moves slowly through the soil profile in many areas. Urban gardeners and developers should perform site-specific drainage tests to ensure proper water flow.
Prime Growing in the KC Metro
In Hardiness Zone 6b, Jackson County is perfect for a diverse range of flowers, vegetables, and ornamental shrubs. A strong soil score of 72.9 indicates high potential for both home gardens and urban agriculture. Get growing in Kansas City today and take advantage of this well-balanced soil.
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
Drainage class data not available.
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 Jackson County have?
Jackson County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 64% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jackson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jackson 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 Jackson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jackson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jackson County's soil?
Based on Jackson County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Jackson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jackson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jackson County
Soil Verdict
Jackson 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
Jackson County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jackson 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.