Lincoln County Soil Data
Lincoln County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lincoln County, Missouri
Slightly Acidic Soils with Above-Average Potential
Lincoln County features an average pH of 6.16, which sits slightly above the state average of 6.09. While more acidic than the national median of 6.5, these soils provide a solid foundation for regional agriculture. Taxonomic data for the county's dominant soil order remains limited in current surveys.
Silt-Heavy Mix with Low Sand Content
The soil composition is dominated by 67.2% silt and a significant 21.4% clay portion. With only 10.5% sand, the soil offers high workability but may compact easily if over-tilled. This fine-textured mix is excellent for holding onto essential nutrients throughout the growing season.
Superior Water Storage Beats State Benchmarks
The county boasts an available water capacity of 0.202 in/in, outperforming the Missouri state average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter levels at 2.63% also exceed the national average of 2.0%. This combination creates a fertile environment that supports consistent crop yields even during dry spells.
Managing Saturated Subaqueous Soil Conditions
The dominant drainage class is categorized as subaqueous, suggesting soils that are frequently saturated or underwater. Local hydrologic group data is currently unavailable, but the high silt content typically indicates a need for careful moisture management. Builders and farmers should account for these wet conditions when planning infrastructure.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b
Falling within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Lincoln County is perfect for growing diverse cool-season vegetables and hardy perennials. The soil's high water capacity supports thirsty crops like melons and tomatoes. Start your garden today to take advantage of this moisture-rich soil profile.
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 Lincoln County have?
Lincoln County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 67% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lincoln County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lincoln County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lincoln County?
Lincoln 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 Lincoln County's soil?
Based on Lincoln County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Lincoln County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lincoln County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lincoln County
Soil Verdict
Lincoln 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
Lincoln County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lincoln 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.