Worth County Soil Data
Worth County, Iowa
Avg 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
Frequently 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.
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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.