Fayette County Soil Data
Fayette County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fayette County, Iowa
Slightly Acidic Profile in Fayette County
Fayette County features soil with a pH of 6.37, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This chemical balance contributes to a total soil score of 70.1, sitting just below the state average of 72.9.
A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix
The soil consists of 44.6% silt and 35.3% sand, creating a light and workable texture. With a clay content of 19.1%, the soil maintains its structure without becoming too heavy for traditional tillage.
Healthy Organic Matter for Crop Growth
The soil contains 3.26% organic matter, which easily beats the national average of 2.0% but trails the Iowa average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity of 0.186 in/in provides a reliable moisture reservoir for local agriculture.
Monitoring Natural Drainage Patterns
Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available for this regional data. Growers should observe their specific plots for water movement, as the moderate sand content generally encourages steady natural drainage.
Cold-Hardy Crops Thrive in Zone 5a
The Hardiness Zone 5a climate supports grains and hardy vegetables like kale and carrots. Start your garden today to take advantage of these established, fertile Iowa soils.
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 Fayette County have?
Fayette County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 45% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fayette County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fayette 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 Fayette County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fayette County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fayette County's soil?
Based on Fayette County's 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 Fayette County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fayette County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Fayette County
Soil Verdict
Fayette 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
Fayette County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fayette 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.