Colfax County Soil Data

Colfax County, Nebraska

Avg pH

7.0

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

2.4%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Colfax County, Nebraska

Neutral Soils for Versatile Growing

Colfax County soil maintains an average pH of 6.97, which is very close to the state average of 6.79. This near-neutral chemistry provides an ideal environment for most standard garden crops and field grains.

Silt and Clay Balance

The soil composition is 48.4% silt and 23.6% clay, balanced by 28.0% sand. This mix creates a soil that retains moisture effectively while providing enough structure to support healthy root development.

Consistent Moisture Storage

The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is higher than the Nebraska average of 0.172, providing a buffer against drought. However, organic matter at 2.41% is slightly lower than the state average, suggesting benefits from regular mulching.

Navigating Higher Silt Content

Because silt makes up nearly half of the soil, water moves steadily but can cause surface crusting after heavy rains. Proper soil management here focuses on protecting the surface layer to maintain infiltration rates.

Garden Success in Zone 5b

Hardiness zone 5b is perfect for cool-season crops like peas and potatoes that appreciate the high water capacity of these soils. With a respectable soil score of 61.6, the land is well-suited for both commercial farming and home gardening.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 28.0%
Silt: 48.4%
Clay: 23.6%
Loam

Soil pH

7.0pH
6.97457045722254
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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: Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Colfax County have?

Colfax County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 48% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Colfax County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Colfax County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Colfax County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Colfax County.

What crops or plants grow well in Colfax County's soil?

Based on Colfax County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Colfax County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Colfax County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.