Antelope County Soil Data
Antelope County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Antelope County, Nebraska
Rich Prairie Mollisols Support Growth
Antelope County features sandy loam Mollisols, which are classic, fertile grassland soils. The 6.66 pH is slightly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median but remains very close to the state average.
Sandy Loam for Superior Airflow
The composition is 53.9% sand, 30.5% silt, and 14.1% clay. This sandy mix allows for excellent root respiration and prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted.
Solid Organic Foundation
The soil holds 2.64% organic matter, which is higher than the national average but below the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. Available water capacity sits at 0.158 in/in, slightly trailing the state benchmark of 0.172.
Reliable Drainage for Farming
The county's land is well drained and falls into hydrologic group B. This combination offers a perfect middle ground for moderate infiltration and reliable runoff management for local builders.
Cooler Growing in Zone 5a
In hardiness zone 5a, gardeners can find great success with cool-season crops and native prairie perennials. The county's 58.1 soil score suggests a reliable environment for consistent harvests.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Antelope County have?
Antelope County's soil is classified as Sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 31% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Antelope County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Antelope County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Antelope County?
Antelope County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Antelope County's soil?
Based on Antelope County's Sandy loam texture, pH of 6.7, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Antelope County?
Antelope 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Antelope County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Nebraska
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.