Clay County Soil Data

Clay County, Iowa

Avg pH

6.5

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

5.6%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Clay County, Iowa

High Performance Soils in Clay

The soil hits the national pH target of 6.50, providing an ideal chemical environment for most crops. With a stellar soil score of 81.4, this county contains some of the highest-rated land in the state.

Balanced and Workable Mix

The composition is a balanced blend of 33.0% sand, 38.9% silt, and 25.8% clay. This specific texture is prized for being both easy to manage and highly effective at retaining essential nutrients.

Abundant Organic Resources

At 5.57%, the organic matter content here crushes the state average of 3.81%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.192 in/in, these soils offer massive natural fertility for gardening and farming.

Strong Natural Structure

Official drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for this area. However, the exceptionally high organic content typically fosters excellent soil structure and healthy water infiltration.

Maximize Your Harvest in 5a

Zone 5a gardeners can take full advantage of this high-scoring soil to produce impressive yields. It is the perfect environment for establishing a permanent fruit orchard or a dense, productive vegetable garden.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 33.0%
Silt: 38.9%
Clay: 25.8%
Loam

Soil pH

6.5pH
6.50287760098775
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Clay County have?

Clay County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 33% sand, 39% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Clay County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Clay 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 Clay County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Clay County.

What crops or plants grow well in Clay County's soil?

Based on Clay 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 Clay County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Clay County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.