Wapello County Soil Data
Wapello County, Iowa
Avg pH
6.2
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wapello County, Iowa
Slightly Acidic Soils in Wapello
Wapello County features an average soil pH of 6.23, placing it slightly below the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the pH suggests a productive environment for most Midwestern crops. Farmers here often monitor acidity to ensure maximum nutrient availability for their harvests.
Consistent Silt-Heavy Composition
The local soil blend is comprised of 55.8% silt and 24.7% clay, creating a fine-textured medium. Sand makes up only 19.2% of the profile, which limits natural drainage but enhances the soil's ability to store minerals. This specific balance makes the ground feel smooth and holds moisture effectively through dry spells.
Strong Water Storage with Modest Organic Levels
Wapello's available water capacity of 0.197 in/in actually exceeds the Iowa state average of 0.195 in/in. While organic matter at 2.81% is lower than the state's 3.81% average, the soil remains highly capable of supporting plant life. The ability to hold moisture is a significant asset during the heat of an Iowa summer.
Understanding Local Hydrology Trends
While specific drainage class data for the county is limited, the high silt and clay percentages often lead to slower natural water movement. Users should watch for slow infiltration rates in gardens and construction projects. Local land management typically focuses on mitigating surface runoff to protect the topsoil.
Vibrant Gardens in Hardiness Zone 5b
Located in Zone 5b, Wapello County supports a wide variety of fruit trees and vegetable crops. The high water capacity makes it an excellent home for thirsty plants like tomatoes and peppers. Now is a great time to plan a garden that leverages these moisture-rich soils.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wapello County have?
Wapello County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 56% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wapello County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wapello County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Wapello County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wapello County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wapello County's soil?
Based on Wapello County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Wapello County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wapello County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wapello 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.