Worth County Soil Data
Worth County, Iowa
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
6.0%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Worth County, Iowa
Classic Iowa Mollisols
Worth County sits on rich Mollisols with a nearly perfect pH of 6.45, mirroring both the state average and the national median. These 'prairie soils' represent some of the most productive agricultural land in the world.
Balanced Silt Loam Texture
The dominant silt loam texture consists of 38.9% silt and 36.5% sand, creating a workable and versatile medium. This balance, rounded out by 21.1% clay, provides enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming overly heavy.
Exceptional Organic Fertility
With a massive 5.98% organic matter content, Worth County far outpaces the state average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity hits the state benchmark of 0.195 in/in, creating an ideal environment for high-yield growth.
Managing Poorly Drained Soils
Classified as somewhat poorly drained in hydrologic group D, these soils may retain water during wet Iowa springs. This classification suggests that growers should prioritize drainage tiles or raised beds to manage moisture effectively.
High-Yield Potential in Zone 5a
Located in Hardiness Zone 5a, this fertile ground is perfect for sweet corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials. The exceptional organic matter levels provide a natural boost, making this an ideal spot to launch a productive home garden.
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
Somewhat poorly drained
Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet at shallow depths for significant periods. Mottling present.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt 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 Worth County have?
Worth County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 39% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Worth County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Worth 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 Worth County?
Worth County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat 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 Worth County's soil?
Based on Worth County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.5, and Somewhat 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 Worth County?
Worth 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: Worth County
Soil Verdict
Worth 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
Worth County closely matches the Iowa average hardiness conditions.
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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.