Soils
Iowa's rich soils are the backbone of its agricultural success. Find more information about Iowa’s soils, soil fertility needs for crop production in Iowa, how to reduce soil erosion, minimize soil compaction, and improve soil productivity.
Soil Tools and Resources
- Compendium of Non-Traditional Products
- Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator
- Corn Suitability Rating Index (CSR2)
- Geospatial Laboratory for Soil Informatics
- Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy
- Iowa Soil Property Map
- NFACT Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Consultation Tool
- Soil Erosion Calculator
- Soil Content Index
Timely Insights on Soils
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November 13, 2025Content Author
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Field Agronomists have completed their fall survey of subsoil moisture in northwest Iowa. Subsoil moisture sampling in Iowa dates back to February 1954 when ten sites were chosen for soil moisture sampling. In 1959, the sampling increased to 22 locations, and in 1971, 61 locations were sampled. Today, 18 locations are sampled in northwest Iowa. -
November 4, 2025Content Author
Soil testing is an essential tool for managing phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and other nutrients. In Iowa and many states, the units reported in a soil test are expressed in parts per million (ppm) of the elements (not oxides P2O5 or K2O, as in fertilizers) of dry or moist soil depending on the test. Different test methods can be used for a specific nutrient.
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October 27, 2025Content Author
Join us for the 36th Integrated Crop Management Conference, which brings together a range of topics related to crop production, crop protection, nutrient management, and soil and water management. The event features experts sharing research updates and practical recommendations. Don’t miss this key opportunity for networking and education!
When: December 10 and 11, 2025
Where: The Meadows Events Center in Altoona, Iowa
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October 15, 2025Content Author
With low crop prices and increased fertilizer costs, farmers are wondering how best to allocate fertilizer dollars this fall. The following articles were posted in the fall of 2024, but all still apply to today’s situation and provide a list of best management practices (BMPs) in order of significance.
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September 3, 2025Content Author
Residue may feel like a byproduct of harvest, but it’s one of the first decisions you make for next year’s crop. Heavy bands of residue set off a chain of problems: wetter, colder soils → clods or hair-pinning → poor ride quality → uneven seed depth → uneven emergence → lost yield.
You can’t solve heavy residue problems after the fact. The time to fix them is when the crop is coming out of the field. By managing spread this fall, you set yourself up for better soil conditions, smoother planting, and more uniform stands—protecting both yield and profit before next season even begins.
