Banner County Soil Data
Banner County, Nebraska
Avg pH
7.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Banner County, Nebraska
Alkaline Soils in the High Plains
Banner County soils have an average pH of 7.14, making them significantly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. This characteristic affects which nutrients are most available to local plant life.
Sand-Heavy Soil Composition
The ground is composed of 57.3% sand, 27.4% silt, and 12.5% clay. This creates a light texture that is easy to till but may require supplemental fertilization due to low clay presence.
Lean Organic Levels in the West
Organic matter sits at a lean 1.69%, which is below both the state and national averages. The available water capacity of 0.160 in/in is just under the Nebraska average of 0.172, requiring careful water management.
Observing Local Water Flow
Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not available for this county's dominant soil types. Given the 57.3% sand content, residents should expect relatively fast water movement through the soil profile.
Hardy Options for Zone 5a
Gardeners in zone 5a should focus on alkaline-tolerant species like sunflowers and certain berry bushes. Even with a lower soil score of 41.4, a well-mulched garden can thrive in this High Plains environment.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
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 Banner County have?
Banner County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 27% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Banner County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Banner County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Banner County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Banner County.
What crops or plants grow well in Banner County's soil?
Based on Banner County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Banner County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Banner County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Banner 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.