Floyd County Soil Data

Floyd County, Iowa

Avg pH

6.6

Texture

Loam

Drainage

Well drained

Organic Matter

4.0%

Hydrologic Group

B

Data Story

About Soil in Floyd County, Iowa

Productive Mollisols in Floyd County

Floyd County is dominated by Mollisols with a pH of 6.58, mirroring the national median for ideal nutrient availability. This high-quality profile earns a soil score of 73.9, outperforming the state average.

Loam: The Gold Standard for Texture

The dominant texture is Loam, comprising 43.4% silt, 34.5% sand, and 21.4% clay. This balanced mix ensures the soil is easy to work while providing excellent support for root development.

Superior Organic Nutrients

Organic matter reaches 3.96% here, exceeding the Iowa state average of 3.81%. While the water capacity of 0.186 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, the rich organic content helps plants survive dry spells.

Well Drained for Farming and Building

These soils are classified as well drained and belong to Hydrologic Group B. This combination allows for moderate water transmission, making the land ideal for both intensive farming and stable building foundations.

Ideal Conditions for Zone 5a Staples

Zone 5a conditions make Floyd County a prime location for corn, soybeans, and backyard orchards. Your garden will benefit from the naturally balanced pH and excellent loamy structure.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 34.5%
Silt: 43.4%
Clay: 21.4%
Loam

Soil pH

6.6pH
6.5837939693982
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

Group B — Moderate Runoff

Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.

Runoff potential:Moderate

Drainage Class

Well drained

Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.

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 Floyd County have?

Floyd County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 43% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Floyd County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Floyd County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Floyd County?

Floyd County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.

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

Based on Floyd County's Loam texture, pH of 6.6, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.

What USDA soil order is found in Floyd County?

Floyd County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.

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.