McDonald County Soil Data
McDonald County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
3.9%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in McDonald County, Missouri
Acidic Entisols of the Southwest
McDonald County's dominant soils are Entisols with an average pH of 5.82. This is more acidic than both the Missouri state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is characteristic of the rugged southwest corner of the state.
Silty Clay Loam with Balanced Sand
The dominant texture is silty clay loam, containing 60.4% silt and 16.1% clay. With nearly 20% sand, these soils often offer better drainage than the heavier clays found in northern Missouri. This mix provides a stable base for both native forests and local pastures.
High Organic Matter but Lower Capacity
Organic matter is impressive at 3.91%, nearly double the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is lower than the state average at 0.140 in/in. While the soil is rich in nutrients, it may require more frequent irrigation during the peak of summer.
Well-Drained Soils Support Rapid Infiltration
The county features well-drained soils, which is a significant advantage for preventing root rot in gardens. It belongs to Hydrologic Group C, indicating slow infiltration when fully saturated. This combination helps manage the heavy rainfall common in the Ozark plateau.
Warmer Zone 7a Gardening Potential
As one of the few Missouri counties in Zone 7a, McDonald County enjoys a longer growing season. The acidic, well-drained soil is particularly suited for berries and native hardwood trees. This is a great region for experimental gardening with slightly more heat-tolerant varieties.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does McDonald County have?
McDonald County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 60% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McDonald County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McDonald County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for McDonald County?
McDonald 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 McDonald County's soil?
Based on McDonald County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 McDonald County?
McDonald 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: McDonald County
Soil Verdict
McDonald County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
McDonald County is somewhat warmer than the Missouri statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McDonald 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.