Grundy County Soil Data
Grundy County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Grundy County, Iowa
Rich, Acidic Soil in Grundy
Grundy County has a pH of 6.28, making it more acidic than the Iowa average of 6.43. Despite the lower pH, the county maintains a solid soil score of 74.0, indicating high quality for farming.
Silt-Heavy and Smooth Texture
The soil composition is nearly half silt at 49.9%, combined with 23.2% clay. The 25.5% sand content provides just enough drainage to prevent the silty surface from compacting into a hard crust.
Elite Organic Matter Levels
At 4.84% organic matter, Grundy County is significantly richer than the average Iowa soil. While available water capacity is 0.190 in/in, the high nutrient density ensures plants have the fuel they need to thrive.
Monitoring Local Water Movement
Specific drainage and taxonomic data are limited for this area. Because the soil is nearly 50% silt, growers should focus on maintaining cover to prevent erosion and manage moisture effectively.
Bountiful Zone 5a Harvests
The local Zone 5a climate is perfect for growing everything from berries to soybeans. With such high organic matter, your soil is already optimized for an productive gardening season.
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
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Grundy County have?
Grundy County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 50% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Grundy County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Grundy County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Grundy County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Grundy County.
What crops or plants grow well in Grundy County's soil?
Based on Grundy County's Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Grundy County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Grundy County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Grundy County
Soil Verdict
Grundy 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
Grundy County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Grundy 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.