Mercer County Soil Data
Mercer County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mercer County, Missouri
Slightly Acidic Soils of Mercer County
Mercer County's soil features an average pH of 6.29, which is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic data is currently unavailable, these soils are more neutral than the Missouri average of 6.09.
A Silty Heartland Blend
The soil composition is 48.7% silt and 26.2% clay, creating a balanced earth for agriculture. The 25.2% sand content helps maintain some porosity, preventing the soil from becoming overly compacted.
Strong Water Retention for Crops
The available water capacity of 0.192 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.183, offering plants a better reservoir during dry spells. Organic matter stands at 2.99%, which beats the national average but trails the state's 4.74% mark.
Management-Dependent Drainage and Hydrology
Official drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for this county. Local landowners typically manage these northern soils with a focus on controlling runoff during heavy Missouri rains.
Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 5b
Located in hardiness zone 5b, Mercer County supports hardy perennials and standard row crops. With a soil score of 69.7, your garden has a high potential for producing robust root vegetables and leafy greens.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Mercer County have?
Mercer County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 49% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mercer County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mercer 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 Mercer County?
Mercer 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 Mercer County's soil?
Based on Mercer County's Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Mercer County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mercer County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mercer County
Soil Verdict
Mercer County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Mercer County is somewhat cooler than the Missouri statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mercer 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.