Clay County Soil Data
Clay County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clay County
Soil Verdict
Clay 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
Clay County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clay 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.