Adams County Soil Data
Adams County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Adams County, Iowa
Acidic Soil with High Productivity Scores
Adams County features a pH of 6.30, making it more acidic than the Iowa state average of 6.43. This soil score of 77.6 ranks among the higher tiers for regional agricultural potential.
Heavy Silt and Clay Mixtures
The soil consists of 56.8% silt and 29.4% clay, with a relatively low sand content of 13.8%. This heavy silt-clay blend provides a sturdy foundation for roots and maintains high structural integrity.
Exceptional Moisture Retention for Plants
Organic matter sits at 3.34%, trailing the state average of 3.81% but remaining significantly richer than the 2.0% national norm. With an available water capacity of 0.208 in/in, these soils hold more moisture for plants than the typical Iowa field.
Stable Soil Structure for Farm Management
Specific drainage classes for this county are not formally recorded in the latest survey data. Despite this, the composition suggests the soil likely handles water slowly due to the nearly 30% clay content.
Confidently Planting in Zone 5b
Hardiness Zone 5b gardeners can confidently plant perennials like peonies or fruit trees. The high soil score encourages residents to make the most of this fertile, water-retaining land.
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 Adams County have?
Adams County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 57% silt, and 29% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Adams County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Adams 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 Adams County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Adams County.
What crops or plants grow well in Adams County's soil?
Based on Adams 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 Adams County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Adams County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Adams 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.