Greene County Soil Data
Greene County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Greene County, Iowa
Alkaline Strengths in Greene County
Greene County soil carries a pH of 6.80, which is more alkaline than the state average of 6.43. This environment earns a soil score of 73.0, reflecting strong overall agricultural productivity.
Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The soil contains 38.7% sand and 37.5% silt, creating a manageable and porous texture. A clay content of 23.7% ensures the soil retains enough moisture and structure for consistent crop yields.
Impressive Organic Nutrient Load
Organic matter is very high at 4.41%, well above the Iowa average of 3.81%. The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark, offering excellent fertility for local growers.
Manageable Hydrology and Soil Flow
While specific drainage classes are not officially recorded in the current data, the high sand percentage suggests good natural aeration. Gardeners should still check for low spots where the 23.7% clay might collect water.
Planting for the Zone 5a Climate
Zone 5a is ideal for cold-hardy perennials and diverse summer vegetables. The high organic matter in Greene County provides the perfect foundation for starting a high-yield home garden.
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 Greene County have?
Greene County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 38% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Greene County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Greene 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 Greene County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Greene County.
What crops or plants grow well in Greene County's soil?
Based on Greene County's Loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 Greene County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Greene County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Greene County
Soil Verdict
Greene 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
Greene 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 Greene 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.