Guthrie County Soil Data
Guthrie County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Guthrie County
Soil Verdict
Guthrie 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
Guthrie 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 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.