Lewis County Soil Data
Lewis County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lewis County, Missouri
Balanced pH in Lewis County
Lewis County soil reaches a pH of 6.41, sitting very close to the 6.5 national median. This balanced acidity contributes to a high soil score of 76.7, reflecting great potential for diverse agriculture.
Silt-Clay Blend for Moisture
The composition features 62.3% silt and 20.2% clay, which creates a heavy, moisture-retentive medium. The 17.5% sand content provides just enough aeration to keep the soil from becoming too dense.
Superior Water Retention Ability
The available water capacity is 0.210 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter measures 2.48%, exceeding the national average and providing a solid base for plant nutrition.
Managing Saturated Soil Conditions
Much of the dominant soil is classified as subaqueous, indicating areas that stay wet or submerged. You will need to carefully select your garden site or use raised beds to manage this high water table.
Zone 6a Garden Opportunities
Lewis County's Zone 6a climate is excellent for cool-season crops like kale and broccoli. Use the county's superior water retention to your advantage and start growing your own fresh produce today.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lewis County have?
Lewis County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 62% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lewis County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lewis 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 Lewis County?
Lewis 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 Lewis County's soil?
Based on Lewis 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 Lewis County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lewis County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lewis County
Soil Verdict
Lewis County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Lewis County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lewis 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.