Burt County Soil Data
Burt County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Burt County, Nebraska
Entisols dominate Burt County's landscape
Burt County features Entisols with a pH of 6.92, making it slightly more alkaline than the national 6.5 median. This soil taxonomic order represents younger soils that are highly productive for regional agriculture.
Fine-grained silt loam textures
The soil is a dominant silt loam, consisting of 58.1% silt and 28.2% clay. This fine-grained mix offers superior nutrient retention and a smooth, workable surface for large-scale farming.
Superior water capacity benchmarks
Available water capacity is impressive at 0.198 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.172 in/in. With 2.78% organic matter, the soil provides a robust foundation for high-yield harvests.
Well-drained soils for steady growth
The county's soils are classified as well-drained and belong to Hydrologic Group B. This indicates a moderate rate of water transmission, preventing root rot while keeping moisture available for plants.
A gardener's paradise in zone 5b
With a high soil score of 67.3, this area is perfect for fruit trees and hardy vegetables. The high water capacity ensures your garden remains resilient even during the hotter weeks of the Nebraska summer.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Burt County have?
Burt County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 13% sand, 58% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Burt County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Burt 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 Burt County?
Burt 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 Burt County's soil?
Based on Burt County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.9, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Burt County?
Burt County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Burt County
Soil Verdict
Burt 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
Burt County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Burt 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.