Shannon County Soil Data
Shannon County, Missouri
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
19.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Shannon County, Missouri
Deeply Acidic and Organic Rich
Shannon County has an average soil pH of 5.40, marking it as one of the more acidic regions in the state. This is significantly lower than the Missouri average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the heavily forested, ancient landscapes of the Ozarks.
Silty Soils with Minimal Clay
The soil composition is 41.0% silt and 22.9% sand, providing a medium texture that is manageable for various land uses. With only 9.9% clay, these soils are not particularly sticky but may lack the high nutrient exchange capacity found in heavier soils. This makeup reflects the weathered, rocky history of the local terrain.
Extraordinary Organic Matter Levels
At 19.06%, the organic matter content is exceptionally high, far surpassing the state average of 4.74%. Paradoxically, the available water capacity of 0.128 in/in is quite low, meaning the soil does not hold onto moisture effectively. Gardeners should expect rich soil that may require more frequent watering during Missouri's dry spells.
Subaqueous Soils in the River Country
These soils are classified as subaqueous, reflecting the county’s position amidst famous spring-fed river systems. While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are limited in this data, the subaqueous label indicates areas of frequent saturation. Managing water flow is critical for both agricultural production and forest management here.
Woodland Wonders in Zone 6b
Shannon County’s zone 6b climate and high organic matter are perfect for native timber, berries, and acid-loving plants. Although the soil score is 46.9, the massive organic content provides a unique advantage for niche crops like ginseng or blueberries. Embrace the wild side of Missouri and plant species that thrive in the acidic Ozark earth.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Shannon County have?
Shannon County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 41% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Shannon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Shannon County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Shannon County?
Shannon 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 Shannon County's soil?
Based on Shannon County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, and Subaqueous, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Shannon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Shannon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Shannon 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.