Moniteau County Soil Data
Moniteau County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Moniteau County, Missouri
Balanced pH Levels in Moniteau
Moniteau County boasts a pH of 6.36, which is nearly neutral and much closer to the national 6.5 ideal than most Missouri counties. This favorable acidity level supports a wide variety of nutrient-hungry plants and crops.
Dominated by Fine Silt Particles
The soil is heavily silt-based at 65.2%, with a modest 19.6% clay and 15.2% sand. This composition ensures the ground remains soft and easy to plow while retaining enough clay to hold fertilizers.
Excellent Water Storage for Droughts
The soil score of 70.7 is bolstered by an impressive available water capacity of 0.202 in/in, which is well above the state average. While organic matter at 2.24% is lower than the state average, it remains above the 2.0% national benchmark.
Navigating High Water Tables
Classified as subaqueous, the local hydrology suggests high water tables or frequent saturation in some areas. Careful site selection is necessary for building foundations or gardens that require deep, dry root zones.
Prime Growth Potential in Zone 6b
In hardiness zone 6b, your soil and climate are prime for everything from orchard fruits to summer squash. Grab a shovel and start planting, as your soil score is significantly higher than the state average.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Moniteau County have?
Moniteau County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 65% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Moniteau County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Moniteau County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Moniteau County?
Moniteau 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 Moniteau County's soil?
Based on Moniteau County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Moniteau County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Moniteau County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Moniteau County
Soil Verdict
Moniteau 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
Moniteau County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Moniteau 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.