Stone County Soil Data
Stone County, Missouri
Avg pH
5.7
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Stone County, Missouri
Acidic Silt Loams of Stone County
Stone County features Entisols with a silt loam texture. Its pH of 5.72 sits significantly below the national median of 6.5, suggesting acidic conditions that may require lime for certain crops.
A Silty Foundation with Moderate Workability
The soil consists of 58.6% silt and 16.8% clay, providing a balance that favors moisture retention over sandiness. This 19.6% sand content allows for moderate workability and decent root penetration in most gardens.
High Organic Matter, Lower Water Capacity
Organic matter reaches 3.33%, which beats the national average but falls short of Missouri's 4.74% mark. The available water capacity of 0.125 in/in is lower than the state average, requiring gardeners to monitor moisture closely during dry spells.
Stable Drainage for Diverse Land Use
Classified as moderately well drained, these soils belong to hydrologic group C. This indicates a somewhat slow rate of water transmission, which farmers and builders should account for during heavy Ozark rains.
Thriving in Zone 7a
In hardiness zone 7a, gardeners can leverage this soil for reliable fruit and vegetable production. Adding lime can help balance the acidity to make your backyard plot truly thrive.
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 Stone County have?
Stone County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 59% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stone County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stone 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 Stone County?
Stone 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 Stone County's soil?
Based on Stone County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Stone County?
Stone 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Stone 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.