Lyon County Soil Data
Lyon County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.7
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lyon County, Iowa
Ideal pH Balance in Northwest Iowa
Lyon County boasts a pH of 6.68, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.43. This near-neutral balance makes it one of the most chemically ideal environments for Iowa's major crops.
High-Body Soil for Mineral Wealth
A robust mix of 52.1% silt and 27.7% clay gives this soil significant body and nutrient-holding capacity. The 20.2% sand fraction is just enough to prevent the soil from becoming an unworkable block.
Elite Organic Matter and Water Storage
With 3.77% organic matter, Lyon County nearly hits the elite state average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity of 0.203 inches per inch actually exceeds the state average, promising excellent drought resistance.
Superior Moisture Management
Specific drainage data is limited, but the high organic matter and superior water capacity suggest a soil that manages moisture exceptionally well. This profile indicates high-quality land that supports both deep-rooted crops and stable landscaping.
A Gift for Every Grower
Falling in zone 5a, Lyon County is an excellent spot for hardy berries and cold-tolerant grains. This high-scoring soil is a gift for any grower, so get your seeds in the ground this season.
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: 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 Lyon County have?
Lyon County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 52% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lyon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lyon County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Lyon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lyon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lyon County's soil?
Based on Lyon County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.7, 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 Lyon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lyon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lyon County
Soil Verdict
Lyon 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
Lyon County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lyon 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.