Boone County Soil Data
Boone County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Boone County, Iowa
Near-Neutral Soils for Optimal Growth
Boone County boasts a pH of 6.70, which is higher than both the state average and the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral soil is highly desirable for maximizing nutrient availability to plants.
High Sand and Excellent Aeration
The soil contains a significant 42.1% sand alongside 34.9% silt and 22.0% clay. This creates a coarse-textured profile that offers excellent aeration for plant roots and reduces compaction issues.
Top-Tier Organic Matter Levels
Fertility is exceptional with organic matter at 5.03%, far exceeding the state average of 3.81%. While the water capacity of 0.189 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic matter helps retain essential moisture.
Efficient Drainage and Reduced Runoff
While specific hydrologic data is N/A, the high sand and organic matter suggest a soil that handles water efficiently. This combination typically results in less runoff and better groundwater recharge.
Boone County's Garden Gold
Zone 5a residents should take advantage of this top-tier soil by planting heavy feeders like corn or squash. This is some of the richest soil in the state—perfect for any aspiring gardener.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Boone County have?
Boone County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 35% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Boone County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Boone County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Boone County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Boone County.
What crops or plants grow well in Boone County's soil?
Based on Boone County's Loam texture, pH of 6.7, 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 Boone County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Boone County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Boone 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.