Iowa Land Capability Class (LCC) Distribution
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Author: Bradley Miller
This is an archived story. The content, links and information may have changed since the publication date.
This map displays the USDA-NRCS Land Capability Class (LCC) designations across Iowa. LCC ratings categorize soils based on their limitations for field crop production and their risk of degradation. Classes range from Class 1 (few limitations) to Class 8 (not suitable for cultivation). Subclasses—denoted by letters (e.g., “e” for erosion, “w” for wetness, “s” for root zone limitations)—further describe specific limiting factors. This classification supports land management decisions, conservation planning, and sustainable agriculture practices.
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Source:
Produced by the Geospatial Laboratory for Soil Informatics (GLSI) at Iowa State University. Map authors: Prepared by Aaron Sassman and C. Lee Burras, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
Resolution:
10-meter raster resolution overlaid on a hillshaded DEM; displayed as a statewide static image
Interpretation:
The LCC classification reflects the capability of soils for field crop production and identifies specific limiting factors that may require conservation or modification practices. This map aids in identifying prime farmland as well as marginal or constrained areas requiring special management.
Suggested Use:
Useful for evaluating soil suitability for agriculture, conservation efforts, and long-term land use planning. This map aids in identifying areas needing erosion control, drainage improvements, or non-agricultural use designations.
References
Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Geospatial Data Gateway (https://gdg.sc.egov.usda.gov/) and Iowa Soil Properties and Interpretations Database (ISPAID) Version 8.1
Map was created in January 2016.