Sac County Soil Data
Sac County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sac County, Iowa
Sac County's Near-Perfect pH Balance
Sac County soils maintain a pH of 6.49, resting almost exactly on the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic records for this area are limited, this neutral chemical profile provides an ideal foundation for plant nutrient uptake.
A Silty Mix Built for Workability
The soil is comprised of 47.3% silt, 26.9% clay, and 24.8% sand. This balanced distribution prevents the ground from becoming too heavy while maintaining enough clay to retain essential minerals.
Exceptional Organic Richness
At 5.07% organic matter, these soils significantly outperform the state average of 3.81%. High fertility is paired with a water capacity of 0.203 inches per inch, providing superior drought resistance compared to the Iowa norm.
Managing Water for Peak Performance
Though specific drainage classifications are not listed, the high silt content suggests a soil that holds water well without immediate saturation. Farmers and gardeners should monitor local field conditions to optimize moisture levels for specific crops.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5a
The local climate supports cold-hardy staples like corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials. With such high organic matter, your garden is already primed for a high-yielding season.
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
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sac County have?
Sac County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 47% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sac County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sac County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Sac County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sac County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sac County's soil?
Based on Sac County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Sac County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sac County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Sac County
Soil Verdict
Sac 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
Sac County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sac 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.