Lyon County Soil Data

Lyon County, Iowa

Avg 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

Clay Loam
Sand: 20.2%
Silt: 52.1%
Clay: 27.7%
Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.7pH
6.68035714522652
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently 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.

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.