Boyd County Soil Data
Boyd County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Loamy fine sand
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Boyd County, Nebraska
Loamy Fine Sand Mollisols
Boyd County is home to Mollisols with a loamy fine sand texture and a 6.95 pH. This near-neutral pH is very close to the state average and slightly higher than the national median.
Balanced Texture with Notable Clay
The soil is 42.0% sand, 36.6% silt, and 21.1% clay. The higher clay percentage compared to its neighbors helps with nutrient retention and provides better structure.
Standard Organic and Water Levels
The organic matter content is 2.25%, which is above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.150 in/in suggests moderate ability to sustain plants through dry periods.
Somewhat Excessive Drainage Patterns
Classified as somewhat excessively drained and part of hydrologic group A, water moves through this soil rapidly. This is beneficial for preventing saturated soils but necessitates efficient irrigation systems.
Vibrant Growing in Zone 5a
The 5a hardiness zone supports a variety of hardy grains and native shrubs. A soil score of 47.3 combined with decent clay content makes this a great place to experiment with a diverse garden.
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
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy fine 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 Boyd County have?
Boyd County's soil is classified as Loamy fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 37% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Boyd County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Boyd County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Boyd County?
Boyd County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Boyd County's soil?
Based on Boyd County's Loamy fine sand texture, pH of 6.9, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Boyd County?
Boyd 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: Boyd County
Soil Verdict
Boyd 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
Boyd County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Boyd 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.