Ste. Genevieve County Soil Data
Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
8.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri
High-Quality Soils Along the River
Ste. Genevieve County earns a soil score of 67.9, outperforming much of the state. While the soil is somewhat acidic with a pH of 5.96, its high nutrient capacity makes it historically significant for agriculture.
The Power of Silt
With 59.0% silt and 16.8% clay, these soils are fine-textured and highly capable of holding nutrients. The relatively low sand content of 15.2% means the soil can be prone to compaction if worked while wet.
Rich in Natural Organic Matter
The county features an impressive 8.28% organic matter, nearly double the state average of 4.74%. This richness helps offset the slightly below-average water capacity of 0.178 in/in by improving soil structure.
Challenges of Saturated Soil
Classified as subaqueous, much of the county's soil profile is adapted to very wet conditions. This requires careful site selection for building and suggests a need for raised beds in some gardening scenarios.
Lush Growth in Zone 6b
The combination of high organic matter and a 6b hardiness zone is perfect for Missouri’s native pawpaws and pecans. Farmers and gardeners alike can capitalize on this fertility to produce high-yielding vegetable crops.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 6.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Ste. Genevieve County have?
Ste. Genevieve County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 59% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ste. Genevieve County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ste. Genevieve County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Ste. Genevieve County?
Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve County's soil?
Based on Ste. Genevieve County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Ste. Genevieve County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ste. Genevieve County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Ste. Genevieve County
Soil Verdict
Ste. Genevieve 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
Ste. Genevieve County closely matches the Missouri average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ste. Genevieve 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.