Scotland County Soil Data
Scotland County, Missouri
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Scotland County, Missouri
High-Quality Ground for Northern Fields
Scotland County boasts an impressive soil score of 78.1, one of the highest in the region. The average pH of 6.38 is nearly neutral, sitting comfortably between the state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical balance suggests a highly productive environment.
A Silty Foundation for Agriculture
The soil contains a heavy 59.9% silt and 23.5% clay, providing a smooth texture with significant nutrient-holding capacity. With sand making up 16.6% of the profile, the soil remains stable and less prone to shifting than sandier regions. This composition is typical of the fertile plains found in this part of Missouri.
Superior Water Storage for Dry Years
The available water capacity stands at 0.214 in/in, well above the Missouri average of 0.183. This high capacity helps crops survive during August heatwaves when rainfall can be scarce. Organic matter is also healthy at 2.72%, exceeding the national 2.0% benchmark and supporting active soil biology.
Managing Saturated Subaqueous Conditions
The county's soil is classified as subaqueous, suggesting that certain areas remain saturated or are influenced by shallow water tables. While specific hydrologic group data is unavailable, this classification often requires careful tile drainage for large-scale farming. Gardeners should consider raised beds in lower-lying areas to ensure root health.
Grow Boldly in Zone 6a
In hardiness zone 6a, this high-scoring soil is a powerhouse for growing corn, soybeans, and large-scale vegetable gardens. The high water capacity and balanced pH provide an forgiving environment for beginner gardeners and experts alike. Start your seeds indoors to maximize the potential of this elite Missouri soil.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Scotland County have?
Scotland County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 60% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Scotland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Scotland 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 Scotland County?
Scotland 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 Scotland County's soil?
Based on Scotland 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 Scotland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Scotland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Scotland 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.