O'Brien County Soil Data
O'Brien County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in O'Brien County, Iowa
High Soil Quality in O'Brien County
O'Brien County boasts an impressive soil score of 80.3, well above the state average of 72.9. The average pH of 6.69 is slightly alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable here, the high overall score points to a very productive land base.
A Gritty Silt and Clay Blend
The soil composition is 49.1% silt, 26.7% clay, and 24.2% sand. This balanced distribution provides enough clay for nutrient holding and enough sand for physical structure and aeration. It is a robust mix that supports the county's intensive agricultural industry.
Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage
O'Brien County excels in fertility, with organic matter reaching 4.18%, surpassing the state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.207 in/in, compared to the state's 0.195 in/in. These numbers represent some of the most resilient and nutrient-rich soils in the region.
Managing Soils for Maximum Yield
Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county in the current set. However, the high soil score suggests that drainage is generally manageable for high-yield agriculture. Local farmers often rely on the soil's excellent water capacity to carry crops through dry periods.
Hardy Crops for Zone 5a
The Zone 5a climate in O'Brien County is excellent for hardy grains and cool-season vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. With superior organic matter, your garden will require less supplemental fertilizer to produce a bounty. Take advantage of this top-tier soil and start a vegetable patch this spring.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does O'Brien County have?
O'Brien County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 49% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is O'Brien County's soil acidic or alkaline?
O'Brien 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 O'Brien County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for O'Brien County.
What crops or plants grow well in O'Brien County's soil?
Based on O'Brien County's 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 O'Brien County?
The dominant USDA soil order for O'Brien County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.