Box Butte County Soil Data
Box Butte County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Box Butte County
Soil Verdict
Box Butte 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
Box Butte County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
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.