Osceola County Soil Data
Osceola County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Osceola County, Iowa
Productive Soils of Northwest Iowa
Osceola County features an average pH of 6.72, making it slightly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. The county earns a high soil score of 77.2, reflecting its significant agricultural value. Although specific taxonomic orders are not listed, the chemical profile indicates a very healthy growing environment.
Sand-Rich Texture for Better Airflow
The soil is composed of 44.4% silt, 28.1% sand, and 27.5% clay. This relatively high sand content for Iowa helps with soil warming and provides better aeration for plant roots. It is a sturdy composition that resists the extreme compaction often found in heavier clay regions.
Elite Organic Matter Levels
At 4.79%, Osceola County has some of the highest organic matter in the state, far exceeding the Iowa average of 3.81%. It also beats the state average for available water capacity at 0.197 in/in. This combination creates an incredibly fertile powerhouse for any type of plant growth.
Reliable Moisture Management
While formal drainage classes are not provided in this dataset, the high sand and organic matter levels suggest good natural structure. The soil's ability to hold 0.197 inches of water per inch of soil depth provides a great buffer against short-term drought. This reliability is a hallmark of the county's farming success.
Planting in Hardiness Zone 5a
Osceola County's Zone 5a climate and elite soil fertility make it perfect for heavy-feeding crops like corn, pumpkins, and squash. The high organic matter means your plants will have access to a deep reservoir of nutrients all season long. Start your own gardening tradition in some of Iowa's richest soil.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Osceola County have?
Osceola County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 44% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Osceola County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Osceola 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 Osceola County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Osceola County.
What crops or plants grow well in Osceola County's soil?
Based on Osceola 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 Osceola County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Osceola County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Osceola 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.