Chickasaw County Soil Data
Chickasaw County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Loamy fine sand
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
4.7%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Chickasaw County, Iowa
Young Entisols of Chickasaw County
Chickasaw features Entisols with a pH of 6.21, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.43. These younger soils offer a distinct growing environment compared to the deeper, more weathered soils found in other parts of Iowa.
Sandy Texture for Easy Tilling
Categorized as loamy fine sand, the soil consists of 42.7% sand and 36.5% silt. This high sand content makes the earth exceptionally easy to work, though it holds less water than heavier clay-based soils.
High Organic Matter, Low Retention
Organic matter is a highlight here at 4.66%, significantly beating the 3.81% state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is lower than the state benchmark, meaning plants may require more frequent watering.
Fast Drainage and High Infiltration
This soil is classified as excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. While this prevents roots from drowning, it means nutrients can leach away quickly if not managed with care.
Early Season Success in Zone 5a
The sandy texture warms up rapidly in the spring, making it perfect for early-season planting in zone 5a. You can grow vibrant peppers and tomatoes here if you maintain a consistent irrigation schedule.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy fine sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Chickasaw County have?
Chickasaw County's soil is classified as Loamy fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 36% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chickasaw County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chickasaw County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Chickasaw County?
Chickasaw County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Chickasaw County's soil?
Based on Chickasaw County's Loamy fine sand texture, pH of 6.2, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Chickasaw County?
Chickasaw County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Chickasaw County
Soil Verdict
Chickasaw 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
Chickasaw County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Chickasaw 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.