Cherokee County Soil Data
Cherokee County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cherokee County, Iowa
Perfectly Balanced pH in Cherokee
The soil pH sits at 6.53, aligning almost perfectly with the national median of 6.5. This neutral environment is excellent for nutrient availability, contributing to a high overall soil score of 79.2.
Silty Soils with Moderate Clay
With 47.0% silt and 26.2% clay, the soil offers a smooth texture that excels at holding onto water and nutrients. The 25.3% sand component provides enough space to prevent the ground from becoming too dense for root growth.
Steady Moisture and Nutrient Storage
The organic matter content is 3.71%, nearly matching the state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is higher than the state benchmark, providing plants with a reliable reservoir of moisture.
Management of Silty Ground
Standard drainage and hydrologic group data are not listed for this region. Because the silt content is high, gardeners should watch for surface crusting after heavy rains to ensure water continues to soak in.
Thriving in a 5a Climate
Hardiness zone 5a supports a wide range of hardy perennials and grain crops. The balanced moisture retention makes Cherokee County a fantastic place to establish a flourishing home vegetable patch.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cherokee County have?
Cherokee County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 47% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cherokee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cherokee County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Cherokee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cherokee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cherokee County's soil?
Based on Cherokee County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Cherokee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cherokee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cherokee County
Soil Verdict
Cherokee County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Cherokee County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cherokee 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.