Moniteau County Soil Data

Moniteau County, Missouri

Avg 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

Silt Loam
Sand: 15.2%
Silt: 65.2%
Clay: 19.6%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.4pH
6.35594085563065
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently 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.

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.