Story County Soil Data
Story County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Story County, Iowa
Alkaline Soils in the Heartland
Story County features a pH of 6.66, trending slightly more alkaline than the state average of 6.43. This chemical balance is generally favorable for most traditional Iowa crops and garden vegetables.
Surprisingly High Sand Content
At 42.1% sand, this soil is much grittier than many of its neighbors, which usually feature higher silt. This high sand fraction improves drainage and makes the soil warm up faster in the spring.
Rich in Life, Low on Storage
The organic matter is a robust 4.89%, well above the state average, but the sandier texture results in a lower water capacity of 0.187 inches per inch. You get incredible nutrient richness but may need to water more frequently during heatwaves.
Fast-Warming, Free-Draining Ground
The sandy composition suggests these soils drain quickly compared to the state's heavier clay regions. This makes Story County an excellent location for construction and early-season planting.
Early Starts in Zone 5b
The 5b zone and sandy texture mean you can often get into the garden earlier than your neighbors. Focus on high-value crops that appreciate the rich organic matter and well-aerated soil.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Story County have?
Story County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 34% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Story County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Story 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 Story County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Story County.
What crops or plants grow well in Story County's soil?
Based on Story County's Loam texture, pH of 6.7, 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 Story County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Story County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Story County
Soil Verdict
Story 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
Story County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Story 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.