Stoddard County Soil Data
Stoddard County, Missouri
Avg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Stoddard County, Missouri
The Bootheel's Acidic Entisols
Stoddard County's soil score of 62.9 sits right near the state average of 64.2. Its Entisols are quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.89, which is significantly lower than the national 6.5 median.
Silt Loam with a Sandy Edge
The soil is a silt loam, containing 57.0% silt and a notable 26.3% sand. This higher sand fraction compared to northern counties helps with drainage and makes the soil warm up faster in the spring.
Great Water Storage for Crops
An available water capacity of 0.196 in/in puts Stoddard ahead of the state average, a vital asset for the region's intense agriculture. Organic matter is 2.71%, which is solid by national standards if not the state's highest.
Moderately Well Drained Land
The county is classified as moderately well drained, meaning it can hold moisture without staying perpetually swampy. As part of hydrologic group C, it manages water runoff slowly, requiring mindful irrigation.
Warm-Season Success in Zone 7a
The 7a hardiness zone allows for long-season crops like cotton and sweet potatoes that northern Missouri can't support. It is a fantastic region for any gardener looking to push the boundaries of the traditional growing season.
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
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
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 Stoddard County have?
Stoddard County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 57% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stoddard County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stoddard County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Stoddard County?
Stoddard County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Stoddard County's soil?
Based on Stoddard County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.9, and Moderately 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 Stoddard County?
Stoddard 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.
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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.