Louisa County Soil Data
Louisa County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Louisa County, Iowa
Productive Acidic Soils of Southeast Iowa
Louisa County soils lean slightly acidic with an average pH of 6.34, sitting near the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this area, the chemical profile matches the high-yielding standards of the region.
Silt-Heavy Soils with High Retention
A balanced mix of 52.4% silt and 21.5% clay ensures excellent nutrient retention for local crops. The 26.1% sand content aids in workability, preventing the heavy compaction often found in denser clay soils.
Water Storage for Summer Heat
Organic matter stands at 2.75%, surpassing the national average of 2.0% while trailing the rich Iowa state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity of 0.185 inches per inch provides a decent buffer for crops against summer dry periods.
Monitoring Moisture in Silt-Rich Fields
While specific drainage classifications are unavailable, the high silt content suggests a soil that holds moisture well. Farmers and builders should monitor local water tables due to the significant clay and silt fractions present.
Long Growing Seasons in Zone 5b
Located in hardiness zone 5b, this county supports a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and melons. This versatile soil profile offers a great starting point for any backyard gardener.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Louisa County have?
Louisa County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 52% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Louisa County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Louisa County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Louisa County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Louisa County.
What crops or plants grow well in Louisa County's soil?
Based on Louisa County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Louisa County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Louisa County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Louisa 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.