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