Hardin County Soil Data
Hardin County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hardin County, Iowa
A Near-Perfect pH Balance
Hardin County soils maintain an average pH of 6.61, resting very close to the national ideal of 6.5. This is slightly more alkaline than the Iowa state average of 6.43. While taxonomic order data is currently limited, the 75.9 soil score indicates a high-quality foundation for plant life.
Silt-Heavy Soils with High Workability
With a composition of 46.3% silt and 29.4% sand, these soils feel velvety and are generally easy to till. The 23.5% clay content provides a stable structure that prevents nutrients from leaching away too quickly. This mix creates a reliable medium for both large-scale farming and home gardening.
Strong Organic Foundation for Growth
The organic matter level of 4.52% exceeds the Iowa state average of 3.81% and the national average of 2.0%. Though the available water capacity of 0.189 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.195, the high organic content helps maintain moisture. This combination results in a robust environment for root development.
Managing Water in Productive Fields
While specific drainage and hydrologic group records are unavailable, the soil score of 75.9 remains well above the Iowa average of 72.9. This suggests the soil manages water effectively for most agricultural needs. Gardeners should ensure proper site selection to avoid localized saturation during heavy rains.
Cultivating Success in Zone 5a
The local climate in Hardiness Zone 5a pairs excellently with these silty, fertile soils to support a wide variety of prairie plants and vegetables. You can expect strong yields from tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens. Get outside and start a garden to enjoy one of the state's more productive soil profiles.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hardin County have?
Hardin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 46% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hardin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hardin County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Hardin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hardin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hardin County's soil?
Based on Hardin County's Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Hardin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hardin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hardin 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.