Scott County Soil Data
Scott County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Scott County, Iowa
Loamy Mollisols of the Mississippi Valley
Scott County is dominated by Mollisols, the deep, dark prairie soils famous for their productivity. The average pH of 6.36 is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 median but remains well within the optimal range for Iowa crops.
Heavy Silt with Loam Texture
The soil contains 56.2% silt and 22.9% clay, creating a classic loamy texture that is easy to till. This high silt concentration allows for excellent root penetration while 20.9% sand helps prevent excessive compaction.
Moderate Fertility and Water Access
Organic matter levels sit at 2.77%, which is lower than the Iowa average of 3.81% but still above the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.190 inches per inch means the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state benchmark.
Moderately Well Drained Foundations
Classified as moderately well drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils move water at a steady pace. This makes the land suitable for both large-scale agriculture and residential basement construction with standard precautions.
Bountiful Growth in Zone 5b
The slightly warmer 5b hardiness zone allows for a longer growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and melons. Start your seeds early to take full advantage of these historic prairie soils.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Scott County have?
Scott County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 56% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Scott County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Scott County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Scott County?
Scott County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Scott County's soil?
Based on Scott County's Loam texture, pH of 6.4, and Moderately 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 Scott County?
Scott 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: Scott County
Soil Verdict
Scott 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
Scott County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Scott 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.