Fremont County Soil Data
Fremont County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.8
Texture
Silty clay
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Fremont County, Iowa
Productive Clay-Rich Mollisols
Fremont County soil scores a 76.6, well above the Iowa state average of 72.9. These Mollisols have a pH of 6.75, making them slightly more alkaline than the national average.
Dense Silty Clay Composition
The dominant texture is Silty Clay, featuring 57.3% silt and 26.8% clay. With only 15.0% sand, this soil is exceptionally good at holding onto nutrients and binding together.
Top-Tier Water Retention
Fremont County has an available water capacity of 0.206 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.195 in/in. Even with organic matter at 3.66%, the high clay and silt content create a resilient sponge for your plants.
Slow Drainage Challenges
Classified as poorly drained and in Hydrologic Group D, these soils move water very slowly. While this requires careful management for farming, it provides a stable water source during drier summers.
Warm Summer Success in Zone 5b
As a Zone 5b region, Fremont County is perfect for heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers. Take advantage of the high water capacity and start your vegetable garden this spring.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Fremont County have?
Fremont County's soil is classified as Silty clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 57% silt, and 27% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Fremont County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fremont County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Fremont County?
Fremont County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Fremont County's soil?
Based on Fremont County's Silty clay texture, pH of 6.8, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Fremont County?
Fremont 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fremont 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.