Palo Alto County Soil Data
Palo Alto County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.7
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
6.4%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Palo Alto County, Iowa
Premium Mollisols of the North
Palo Alto boasts an impressive soil score of 79.7, well above the state average of 72.9. These Mollisols have an average pH of 6.66, making them slightly more alkaline than the national median.
Workable Fine Sandy Loam
The soil is a fine sandy loam made of 38.7% sand and 37.2% silt. This balanced mix ensures the ground is easy to till and provides excellent aeration for root systems.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
With 6.40% organic matter, these soils are significantly richer than the Iowa average of 3.81%. This high fertility supports high-yield agriculture even with an available water capacity slightly below the state average.
Rapid Drainage for Better Roots
Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group A, this soil moves water quickly. This prevents the root rot and standing water issues common in heavier Iowa clay soils.
Bountiful Harvests in Zone 5a
The Zone 5a climate pairs with rich loam to grow incredible root vegetables and leafy greens. Your plants will love the high organic content of this northern Iowa soil.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Palo Alto County have?
Palo Alto County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 37% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Palo Alto County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Palo Alto County's soil?
Based on Palo Alto County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 6.7, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Palo Alto County
Soil Verdict
Palo Alto 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
Palo Alto County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Palo Alto 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.