Laclede County Soil Data
Laclede County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Laclede County, Missouri
Laclede County's Acidic Soil Profile
Laclede County features a pH of 5.90, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity level, combined with a soil score of 50.9, suggests a need for careful soil management and amendments.
Grittier Texture with Higher Sand
With 21.0% sand and 62.1% silt, the soil here is grittier than many other Missouri counties. The lower clay content of 15.1% means the soil is easy to till but may not hold nutrients as tightly as clay-rich areas.
Modest Water Capacity for Plants
The available water capacity is 0.163 in/in, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter sits at 2.62%, providing a decent biological foundation despite the lower water retention.
Understanding Saturated Soil Conditions
Classified as subaqueous, the dominant soil areas are often heavily saturated or submerged. Managing these wet conditions is the primary challenge for Laclede County growers and land developers.
Summer Success in Zone 6b
Gardeners in Zone 6b should focus on building organic matter to improve the soil's water-holding ability. With the right care, you can produce excellent harvests of beans, squash, and corn.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Laclede County have?
Laclede County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 62% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Laclede County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Laclede County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Laclede County?
Laclede 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 Laclede County's soil?
Based on Laclede County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Laclede County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Laclede County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Laclede County
Soil Verdict
Laclede 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
Laclede County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Laclede 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.