St. Francois County Soil Data
St. Francois County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
15.6%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in St. Francois County, Missouri
Acidic Soil with High Potential
St. Francois County features acidic Entisols with a pH of 5.69, significantly lower than the state average of 6.09. Despite the acidity, the county maintains a respectable soil score of 60.6.
Fine-Textured Silty Clay Loams
A low 12.2% clay content combined with 51.6% silt creates a silty clay loam that is relatively easy to till. The 16.2% sand fraction provides just enough structure to keep the soil from compacting too easily.
Massive Organic Matter Reserves
The county boasts an extraordinary 15.57% organic matter, roughly triple the Missouri state average. This high organic content is an incredible asset for fertility, even though the available water capacity (0.157 in/in) is lower than average.
Well Drained for Development
Classified as well drained, this soil is excellent for preventing root rot and supporting building foundations. It falls into hydrologic group C, indicating moderate runoff potential when the soil is saturated.
Maximize Your Zone 6b Harvest
The high organic matter makes this a dream for heavy feeders like tomatoes and squash if you manage the pH. Leverage the 6b climate to get an early start on cool-season crops in these well-drained soils.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does St. Francois County have?
St. Francois County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 16% sand, 52% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is St. Francois County's soil acidic or alkaline?
St. Francois County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for St. Francois County?
St. Francois 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 St. Francois County's soil?
Based on St. Francois County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 St. Francois County?
St. Francois 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: St. Francois County
Soil Verdict
St. Francois 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
St. Francois County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for St. Francois 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.