Lawrence County Soil Data
Lawrence County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Lawrence County, Missouri
Acidic Entisols of Lawrence County
Lawrence County features Entisols with a pH of 5.83, making it one of the more acidic counties in the region. This level is well below the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime to balance the soil for gardening.
Rich Silty Clay Loam
The soil is a silty clay loam with 59.9% silt and 16.7% clay. This texture is known for being relatively easy to manage while providing a good physical structure for most plants.
Strong Organic Matter Content
Organic matter is impressive at 4.36%, nearly reaching the Missouri state average of 4.74%. The available water capacity is 0.170 in/in, which provides a steady, if slightly below-average, supply of water.
Reliable Drainage for Gardening
Lawrence County soils are well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This good drainage is a significant advantage for preventing root diseases and allowing for early spring planting.
Long Growing Season in Zone 7a
The warm climate of Zone 7a is perfect for growing heat-loving okra and sweet potatoes. With high organic matter already in place, your garden is set for success with minimal initial effort.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lawrence County have?
Lawrence County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 60% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lawrence County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lawrence County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lawrence County?
Lawrence County has a dominant drainage class of "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 Lawrence County's soil?
Based on Lawrence County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 5.8, and 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 Lawrence County?
Lawrence County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lawrence County
Soil Verdict
Lawrence County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Lawrence County is somewhat warmer than the Missouri statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lawrence 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.