Blaine County Soil Data
Blaine County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Blaine County, Nebraska
Near-Neutral Sands of the Heart
Blaine County's soil pH of 6.52 is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This creates a versatile chemical environment despite the area's predominantly sandy physical structure.
An Exceptionally Sandy Profile
At 82.6% sand, this is one of the sandiest counties in the state, with only 7.8% silt and 6.1% clay. This texture offers almost no resistance to root growth but holds very few nutrients.
Low Water Retention Potential
The available water capacity is low at 0.104 in/in compared to the state average of 0.172. While the 2.48% organic matter is healthy compared to the national average, the sandy texture makes irrigation essential.
Managing Rapid Moisture Loss
While official drainage classes are not listed, the 82.6% sand content implies very rapid drainage. Landowners must prioritize soil stabilization to prevent erosion in this porous landscape.
Zone 5a Gardening Strategies
The zone 5a climate and 48.7 soil score favor native prairie plants and deep-rooted species. Consider using raised beds with added compost to boost the productivity of this sandy soil.
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: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Blaine County have?
Blaine County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 83% sand, 8% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Blaine County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Blaine County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Blaine County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Blaine County.
What crops or plants grow well in Blaine County's soil?
Based on Blaine County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 6.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Blaine County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Blaine County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Blaine County
Soil Verdict
Blaine County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Blaine County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Blaine 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.