Lucas County Soil Data
Lucas County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.1
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lucas County, Iowa
High Acidity in Lucas County Earth
Lucas County has more acidic soil than most, with a pH of 6.09 compared to the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile suggests a need for lime to optimize nutrient availability for most garden plants.
Heavy Clay and Silt Fractions
The composition features 52.3% silt and a heavy 27.6% clay, creating a dense, moisture-retentive environment. With only 19.0% sand, this soil is slower to warm up in the spring but holds nutrients very effectively.
State-Level Water Capacity
Organic matter is 2.65%, beating the national average of 2.0% but sitting below the Iowa state average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity of 0.190 inches per inch is nearly on par with the state average of 0.195, which helps during droughts.
Managing Runoff in Clay Soils
While formal drainage classes aren't recorded, the high clay content often leads to slower water movement and potential runoff. Gardeners should consider raised beds to improve aeration in these heavy, silt-rich soils.
Successful Planting in Zone 5b
In hardiness zone 5b, Lucas County gardeners can successfully grow everything from asparagus to orchard fruits. Focus on acid-tolerant plants or soil amendments to make the most of your local earth.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lucas County have?
Lucas County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 52% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lucas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lucas 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 Lucas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lucas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lucas County's soil?
Based on Lucas County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Lucas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lucas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lucas County
Soil Verdict
Lucas County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Lucas County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lucas 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.