Madison County Soil Data
Madison County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
20.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Madison County, Missouri
Highly Acidic Soils in Madison County
Madison County soil is notably acidic, with an average pH of 5.54. This is much lower than the Missouri state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. Gardeners will likely need to add lime to raise the pH for most common vegetables.
Silty Mix with Low Clay Content
The soil composition is 44.0% silt and 19.0% sand, with a unusually low clay content of 10.7%. While this makes the soil easier to dig, it may struggle to hold onto some minerals compared to clay-rich areas. The high silt percentage dominates the physical behavior of the land.
Extreme Organic Matter but Low Water
Organic matter is exceptionally high at 20.22%, dwarfing the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is only 0.148 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.183 in/in. This means while the soil is nutrient-dense, it may dry out faster than expected.
Saturated Soils and Subaqueous Drainage
The dominant drainage class is subaqueous, indicating that many soils in the county are prone to saturation. No specific hydrologic group data is currently available for these soil types. This drainage profile suggests a need for water-tolerant plant choices in low-lying areas.
Acid-Loving Plants Thrive in Zone 6b
Madison County's 6b hardiness zone and acidic soil are perfect for blueberries, azaleas, and hydrangeas. The high organic matter provides a rich environment for forest-style gardening and native Missouri plants. With a little pH adjustment, you can grow almost anything here.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Madison County have?
Madison County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 44% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Madison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Madison County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Madison County?
Madison 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 Madison County's soil?
Based on Madison County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Madison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Madison County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Madison County
Soil Verdict
Madison 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
Madison County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Madison 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.