Perry County Soil Data
Perry County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.1
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
8.2%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Perry County, Missouri
The Young Entisols of Perry County
Perry County’s soil is classified as Entisols, which are geologically young soils with little profile development. The average pH is 6.11, nearly matching the state average of 6.09 but trailing the national median of 6.5. These soils achieve a solid soil score of 67.5, making them quite productive for a variety of uses.
Silty Clay Loam Texture
The county's dominant texture is silty clay loam, featuring 55.8% silt and 17.9% clay. With 18.4% sand, the soil provides a balanced environment that resists excessive compaction while remaining easy to till. This mix is excellent for maintaining a stable root zone for both crops and native timber.
High Organic Matter and Thirsty Soil
Perry County boasts a very high organic matter content of 8.20%, nearly double the Missouri average of 4.74%. However, its available water capacity of 0.168 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.183 in/in. This combination suggests a nutrient-rich soil that may require careful monitoring of soil moisture during the height of summer.
Efficient Well-Drained Water Movement
The soil is well-drained, ensuring that excess water moves away from plant roots to prevent drowning or rot. It falls under hydrologic group C, which typically means the soil has a slow rate of water transmission when thoroughly wet. This profile is generally supportive of residential development and consistent agricultural yields.
A Gardener’s Dream in Zone 7a
With its high organic matter and 7a hardiness zone, Perry County is a fantastic place to grow demanding vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. The silty clay loam texture provides a sturdy base for fruit trees and perennial flower beds. Dive into your gardening project with confidence in this rich, young soil.
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
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Perry County have?
Perry County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 56% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Perry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Perry County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Perry County?
Perry 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 Perry County's soil?
Based on Perry County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Perry County?
Perry 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: Perry County
Soil Verdict
Perry 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
Perry County is somewhat warmer than the Missouri statewide average. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Perry 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.