Jones County Soil Data
Jones County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Jones County, Iowa
Jones County’s Alfisol Heritage
Jones County features a dominant sandy loam texture and belongs to the Alfisol order, often found under forest cover. With an average pH of 6.36, it is slightly more acidic than the national median but aligns closely with the Iowa state average.
Sandy Loam for Easy Working
The soil contains a high sand percentage of 28.1%, paired with 52.0% silt and 19.1% clay. This composition ensures the soil is easy to work and resists the heavy compaction often found in higher-clay regions.
Rich Organic Reserves
At 3.28% organic matter, the county surpasses the national average and supports vigorous plant growth. Its available water capacity of 0.188 in/in provides a stable reservoir for crops during the heat of the Iowa summer.
Excellent Drainage and Infiltration
The county's soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group A, which is the highest rating for water infiltration. This makes the land excellent for preventing standing water and provides a solid base for construction.
Perfect for Zone 5a Planting
In USDA Zone 5a, this well-drained sandy loam is perfect for early-season vegetables that prefer warmer soil. Try your hand at growing crisp carrots or potatoes, which thrive in this loose, workable earth.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy loam
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 Jones County have?
Jones County's soil is classified as Sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 52% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jones County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jones County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Jones County?
Jones County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Jones County's soil?
Based on Jones County's Sandy loam texture, pH of 6.4, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Jones County?
Jones 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: Jones County
Soil Verdict
Jones 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
Jones County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jones 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.