Wayne County Soil Data
Wayne County, Missouri
Avg pH
5.7
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
14.7%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Wayne County, Missouri
Rich, Acidic Entisols in Wayne
Wayne County's Entisols have a silty clay loam texture and a pH of 5.66. This acidic profile is lower than both the Missouri state average and the 6.5 national median, requiring lime for many garden favorites.
Well-Structured Silty Clay Loam
The soil consists of 50.6% silt and 12.7% clay, making it lighter than some of its clay-heavy neighbors. The 19.4% sand content contributes to its structure and earns it a well-drained classification.
Massive Organic Matter Reserves
Wayne features a massive organic matter content of 14.73%, far exceeding the state average of 4.74%. Even with an available water capacity of 0.159 in/in, this organic richness supports extremely high fertility.
Reliable Drainage and Slow Infiltration
As a well-drained soil in hydrologic group C, it manages water quickly but has a slow infiltration rate when saturated. This makes it a reliable choice for both commercial agricultural use and residential development.
Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7a
In hardiness zone 7a, the long summers are perfect for specialty crops that love rich, organic earth. Your soil is already packed with nutrients, so just a little pH adjustment can yield a massive bumper crop.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wayne County have?
Wayne County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 51% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wayne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wayne 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 Wayne County?
Wayne 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 Wayne County's soil?
Based on Wayne 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 Wayne County?
Wayne 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 Wayne 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.