Crawford County Soil Data
Crawford County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Crawford County, Iowa
Neutral Soils and High Scores
Crawford's soil carries a pH of 6.41, sitting right at the state average and very close to the 6.5 national median. The county boasts a high soil score of 80.1, indicating excellent overall quality.
Dense, Silt-Heavy Ground
The soil is remarkably high in silt at 63.8%, with only 10.2% sand. This silt-heavy mix creates a dense environment that is exceptionally good at holding onto moisture and nutrients.
Leading in Water Capacity
Though organic matter is 2.83%, the available water capacity is a chart-topping 0.217 in/in. This means the soil acts like a sponge, storing significantly more water for plants than the average Iowa soil.
Resilient During Dry Spells
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. However, the high silt and clay content suggest that water moves slowly, which acts as a major advantage during dry periods.
Powerful Production in Zone 5a
Zone 5a gardeners will find this moisture-retentive soil perfect for heavy feeders like corn or sunflowers. With a bit of mulch to manage the surface, this soil is a true powerhouse for production.
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: Silt 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 Crawford County have?
Crawford County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 64% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Crawford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Crawford County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Crawford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Crawford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Crawford County's soil?
Based on Crawford County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Crawford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Crawford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Crawford County
Soil Verdict
Crawford 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
Crawford County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Crawford 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.