Macon County Soil Data
Macon County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Macon County, Missouri
Healthy Entisols with Balanced pH
Macon County's dominant soil order consists of Entisols with an average pH of 6.28. This is more alkaline than the state average of 6.09 and approaches the national median of 6.5. This pH range is optimal for the availability of phosphorus and other key nutrients.
Flexible Silty Clay Loam Texture
The soil is classified as silty clay loam, featuring 55.8% silt and 23.9% clay. With 20.3% sand, this mix provides better drainage and workability than many other Missouri clay-heavy soils. It offers a great balance between nutrient storage and physical structure.
Consistent Moisture and Organic Wealth
Organic matter levels reach 2.67%, comfortably exceeding the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.201 in/in also beats the state average of 0.183 in/in. These qualities helped Macon County earn a high soil score of 71.4.
Well-Drained Land for Active Use
The county benefits from well-drained soils, a significant advantage for both farming and construction. It falls into Hydrologic Group C, which suggests a somewhat slow infiltration rate when the ground is saturated. Despite this, the well-drained classification makes it easier to manage than neighbor counties.
Ideal Hardiness for Mid-Missouri Gardens
Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, Macon County is well-suited for staples like peppers, tomatoes, and beans. The silty clay loam texture provides the stability needed for fruit trees and larger perennials. It is a fantastic place to establish a productive home garden.
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
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Macon County have?
Macon County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 56% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Macon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Macon County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Macon County?
Macon 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 Macon County's soil?
Based on Macon County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Macon County?
Macon 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: Macon County
Soil Verdict
Macon 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
Macon County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Macon 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.