Maries County Soil Data
Maries County, Missouri
Avg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Maries County, Missouri
Standard Missouri Acidity Levels
Maries County features an average pH of 5.98, which is very close to the state average of 6.09. This is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for the Ozark border region. Taxonomic order and specific texture data are currently limited for the dominant soils.
High Silt Content with Low Clay
The soil is comprised of 64.9% silt, 17.0% clay, and 16.7% sand. This high silt concentration can make the soil feel velvety to the touch but prone to erosion if not covered by vegetation. The moderate clay content provides a basic level of nutrient retention for local flora.
Steady Water Capacity and Average Organic Matter
Available water capacity stands at 0.185 in/in, aligning closely with the Missouri average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter is 2.14%, just slightly above the national benchmark of 2.0%. These average figures result in a soil score of 55.7, indicating a need for careful land management.
Subaqueous Drainage and Hydrological Limits
The dominant drainage class is subaqueous, pointing toward soils that often stay wet. There is no recorded hydrologic group for the primary soil units in the county. Proper site assessment is critical before starting any major construction or agricultural drainage projects.
Zone 6b Gardening Opportunities
Hardiness Zone 6b allows for a long growing season for summer favorites like corn and squash. Native Missouri grasses and wildflowers will thrive in these silty, moisture-consistent soils. It is a great environment for establishing a resilient, sustainable backyard garden.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Maries County have?
Maries County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 65% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Maries County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Maries County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Maries County?
Maries 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 Maries County's soil?
Based on Maries County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Maries County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Maries County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Maries 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.