Box Butte County Soil Data
Box Butte County, Nebraska
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
4.3%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Box Butte County, Nebraska
Alkaline Fine Sandy Loams
Box Butte County features Mollisols with a fine sandy loam texture and a pH of 7.17. This is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5, reflecting its position in the semi-arid west.
High Sand and Moderate Silt
The soil composition is 61.5% sand and 21.7% silt, providing a very gritty texture. The low 11.3% clay content means the soil does not get easily waterlogged or sticky.
Rich Organic Matter Reserves
At 4.34%, the organic matter here is significantly higher than the state average of 3.32%. However, the water capacity of 0.142 in/in is lower than the state average, meaning the soil dries out quickly.
Excellent Infiltration Characteristics
The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group A, the highest infiltration category. This allows for excellent drainage but requires careful nutrient management to prevent leaching.
Western Success in Zone 5a
The 5a hardiness zone is perfect for potatoes and sugar beets, which thrive in this county's sandy loam. With a 50.3 soil score, the high organic matter gives you a fantastic head start for a home plot.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Box Butte County have?
Box Butte County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 22% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Box Butte County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Box Butte County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Box Butte County?
Box Butte 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 Box Butte County's soil?
Based on Box Butte County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 7.2, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Box Butte County?
Box Butte 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 Box Butte 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.