Calhoun County Soil Data
Calhoun County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Calhoun County, Iowa
Neutral and High-Scoring Soils
Calhoun County's soil is notably neutral with a pH of 6.83, exceeding the national median of 6.5. This pH level is among the best for maximizing the availability of essential plant nutrients like phosphorus. The county's soil score of 75.9 reflects its superior quality compared to the state average of 72.9.
Heavy Silt and Clay Mix
The soil is defined by its 40.1% silt and 26.3% clay content, supported by 33.6% sand. This high clay and silt combination creates a 'heavy' soil that holds its shape well and resists drying out. It is a robust growing medium that provides a firm anchor for deep-rooted crops.
Exceptional Nutrient and Water Storage
Calhoun County shines in fertility with 5.56% organic matter, far surpassing the state average of 3.81%. It also beats the state average for available water capacity at 0.197 in/in. These metrics indicate a soil that can sustain plants through dry periods by storing vast amounts of water and nutrients.
Effective Moisture Management
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not listed, but the high clay content suggests a slower infiltration rate. This soil is likely to hold onto rainfall, making it resilient during droughts but potentially slow to dry in the spring. Proper field drainage is often a key factor for maximizing the potential of these heavy soils.
Thriving in Zone 5a
Calhoun’s Zone 5a climate paired with near-neutral, organic-rich soil is perfect for high-yield vegetables like peppers and squash. The soil's water-holding capacity reduces the need for constant irrigation in your home garden. This is a premier location to grow a diverse and healthy harvest.
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 Calhoun County have?
Calhoun County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 40% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Calhoun County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Calhoun County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Calhoun County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Calhoun County.
What crops or plants grow well in Calhoun County's soil?
Based on Calhoun County's Loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 Calhoun County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Calhoun County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.