Lee County Soil Data
Lee County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.1
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Lee County, Iowa
Lee County’s Silt Loam Alfisols
Lee County is characterized by a dominant silt loam texture and belongs to the Alfisol order. Its average pH of 6.11 is notably more acidic than the Iowa state average of 6.43 and the national median of 6.5.
Silty and Moisture-Retentive
The soil consists of 53.5% silt and 21.7% clay, with 22.7% sand providing some balance. This high silt-to-clay ratio gives the soil a velvety feel and an excellent capacity to hold onto vital agricultural nutrients.
Superior Water Storage
Lee County exceeds the state average for available water capacity at 0.199 in/in, ensuring crops have access to moisture. With 3.19% organic matter, the soil is healthy and well-stocked for a variety of growing applications.
Managing Poorly Drained Ground
The county's soils are predominantly poorly drained and fall into hydrologic group D. This indicates a high potential for water to sit on the surface, requiring careful drainage management for farming or construction.
Warmest Growing Zone in Iowa
As one of the few Iowa counties in Zone 6a, Lee County offers a longer, warmer growing season. This is the perfect place to try your hand at growing slightly more tender crops or enjoying an extended harvest of peppers and beans.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt 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 Lee County have?
Lee County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 54% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lee County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lee County?
Lee County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Lee County's soil?
Based on Lee County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.1, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Lee County?
Lee 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: Lee County
Soil Verdict
Lee County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Lee County is somewhat warmer than the Iowa statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lee 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.