Ringgold County Soil Data
Ringgold County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Ringgold County, Iowa
Rich Southern Iowa Mollisols
Ringgold County features high-quality Mollisols with a pH of 6.28. While slightly more acidic than the national median, this soil is part of the legendary fertility of the American Midwest.
Silt Loam with High Clay
The dominant texture is silt loam, containing 52.1% silt and 27.9% clay. This composition provides the weight needed to retain water during the hot Iowa summers.
Above Average Water Retention
The soil boasts an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, exceeding the Iowa average of 0.195 in/in. Organic matter sits at 3.04%, providing a healthy foundation for plant growth.
Handling Poorly Drained Clay
Classified as poorly drained and in Hydrologic Group D, this soil can stay saturated for long periods. Installing drainage systems is often necessary for optimal farming and stable building foundations.
Productive Gardening in Zone 5b
The Zone 5b climate supports a long growing season for beans, peas, and leafy greens. Get your garden started now and enjoy the high water capacity of this fertile silt loam!
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: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Ringgold County have?
Ringgold County's soil is classified as Silt 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 Ringgold County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ringgold County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Ringgold County?
Ringgold 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 Ringgold County's soil?
Based on Ringgold County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Ringgold County?
Ringgold 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: Ringgold County
Soil Verdict
Ringgold County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Ringgold County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ringgold 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.