Pottawattamie County Soil Data
Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.8
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Mollisols of the Loess Hills
These Mollisol soils have a pH of 6.75, which is higher than the state average of 6.43. The county maintains a strong soil score of 74.9 despite some unique drainage challenges.
Heavy Silt and Silty Clay
Dominant silty clay loam textures come from a 62.4% silt and 26.6% clay mix. Only 11.1% of the soil is sand, resulting in a fine, smooth texture that can become very heavy when wet.
High Water Capacity, Lower Carbon
The available water capacity is 0.210 in/in, which is superior to the state average. However, organic matter is lower at 2.86%, suggesting a need for compost or cover crops to build fertility.
Slow Drainage and High Runoff
The soil is poorly drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group D, which means it has a high runoff potential. Managing surface water is critical for any farming or construction projects here.
Diverse Planting in Zone 5b
Zone 5b gardeners can grow impressive yields of melons and tomatoes in this moisture-retaining soil. Put your seeds in the ground and watch your garden flourish this season!
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Pottawattamie County have?
Pottawattamie County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 62% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pottawattamie County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pottawattamie County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Pottawattamie County?
Pottawattamie County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Pottawattamie County's soil?
Based on Pottawattamie County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 6.8, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Pottawattamie County?
Pottawattamie 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pottawattamie 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.