Adair County Soil Data
Adair County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Adair County, Iowa
Adair County's High-Performing Acidic Soils
Adair's soil is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.33, coming in just under the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data remains unspecified, the overall soil score of 77.4 indicates a highly productive landscape for regional agriculture.
A Silty Foundation for Crop Stability
Silt dominates the profile at 56.5%, paired with 27.9% clay and 15.6% sand. This silty mixture offers excellent nutrient retention but requires careful management to prevent surface crusting after heavy rains.
Strong Water Capacity and Reliable Fertility
At 3.25%, organic matter is lower than the Iowa average of 3.81% but still exceeds the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in outpaces the state average, ensuring crops have a reliable reservoir during dry spells.
Natural Hydrology Supports Local Growth
Local drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unlisted in regional datasets. However, the high silt content suggests a soil that holds moisture effectively even without a formal classification.
Productive Gardening in Zone 5b
Located in Hardiness Zone 5b, Adair County provides a reliable environment for cold-hardy staples like kale and apples. The high soil score makes this an ideal spot to launch a productive home vegetable garden.
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
Drainage class data not available.
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 Adair County have?
Adair County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 16% sand, 57% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Adair County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Adair County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Adair County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Adair County.
What crops or plants grow well in Adair County's soil?
Based on Adair County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Adair County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Adair County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Adair County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Iowa
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.