Brown County Soil Data
Brown County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Brown County, Nebraska
Neutral acidity in Brown County soils
Brown County features a pH of 6.62, which sits very close to the national median of 6.5 and slightly below the state average of 6.79. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this near-neutral balance provides a stable environment for most regional plant species.
Sandy textures define the landscape
The soil is heavily sand-based, consisting of 75.4% sand and only 8.2% clay. This high-sand profile ensures excellent aeration and easy workability but may require more frequent watering to maintain moisture.
Rich organic matter meets low water storage
Organic matter content stands at 3.30%, nearly matching the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity of 0.118 in/in is significantly lower than the state benchmark of 0.172 in/in.
Rapid drainage in the local terrain
While specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, the 75.4% sand content suggests naturally fast-moving water. This physical profile requires careful irrigation management to prevent nutrient leaching during heavy rains.
Gardening in hardiness zone 5b
Gardeners in zone 5b can leverage the 3.30% organic matter to support resilient native grasses and shrubs. The soil favors drought-tolerant species that thrive in sandy conditions and rapid-draining environments.
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 Brown County have?
Brown County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 75% sand, 14% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Brown County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brown County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Brown County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Brown County.
What crops or plants grow well in Brown County's soil?
Based on Brown County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Brown County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Brown County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Brown County
Soil Verdict
Brown County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Brown County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brown 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.