Guthrie County Soil Data
Guthrie County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.2
Texture
Loamy sand
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
4.2%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Guthrie County, Iowa
Guthrie County's Acidic Alfisols
Guthrie County features Alfisols with a pH of 6.25, placing it on the more acidic side of the Iowa spectrum. Despite this, the land earns a high soil score of 75.8, beating the state average by nearly three points.
Unique Loamy Sand Blend
The dominant texture is Loamy Sand, consisting of 23.9% sand and a high 49.7% silt content. This blend offers a unique combination of easy cultivation and strong moisture-holding potential.
Above-Average Fertility and Water
Organic matter is strong at 4.18%, which is well above the 3.81% state average. The available water capacity of 0.199 in/in provides an exceptional moisture buffer during the peak of the growing season.
Excessive Drainage for Fast Runoff
Classified as excessively drained and part of Hydrologic Group A, this soil moves water extremely quickly. This makes it a great choice for construction but requires gardeners to keep a close eye on watering.
A Garden Ready for Zone 5a
Zone 5a gardeners will find success with root vegetables and grains that prefer well-drained conditions. Grab your tools and start planting in this high-fertility Iowa soil today.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Guthrie County have?
Guthrie County's soil is classified as Loamy sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 50% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Guthrie County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Guthrie County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Guthrie County?
Guthrie County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Guthrie County's soil?
Based on Guthrie County's Loamy sand texture, pH of 6.2, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Guthrie County?
Guthrie County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Guthrie 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.