Linn County Soil Data
Linn County, Missouri
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Linn County, Missouri
Linn County's Near-Ideal Soil pH Levels
With an average pH of 6.42, Linn County soils are very close to the 6.5 national median. These Entisols are significantly less acidic than the Missouri state average of 6.09. This balance makes nutrients more readily available to plants without heavy lime applications.
Productive Silt Loam Foundations
The dominant texture is a classic silt loam, composed of 53.6% silt and 26.2% clay. Sand makes up 20.2% of the mix, providing better aeration than many neighboring counties. This balance ensures the soil remains workable while still retaining enough moisture for healthy root development.
Healthy Organic Matter and High Capacity
Organic matter at 2.71% surpasses the national 2.0% benchmark, providing a steady supply of nutrients. The available water capacity of 0.200 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.183 in/in. These factors contribute to the county's impressive soil score of 74.8.
Navigating Somewhat Poor Drainage
Soils here are classified as somewhat poorly drained and belong to Hydrologic Group B. This group typically has a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. Farmers may need to implement tiling or raised beds to prevent waterlogging during heavy Missouri rains.
Gardening Success in Zone 6a
Linn County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, supporting a wide range of orchard fruits and row crops. The silt loam texture is particularly well-suited for deep-rooted plants like corn or sunflowers. It is an ideal environment for any home gardener looking to produce a heavy harvest.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Somewhat poorly drained
Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet at shallow depths for significant periods. Mottling present.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Linn County have?
Linn County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 54% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Linn County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Linn 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 Linn County?
Linn County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Linn County's soil?
Based on Linn County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.4, and Somewhat poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Linn County?
Linn 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.
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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.