Colfax County Soil Data
Colfax County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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: 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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Colfax County
Soil Verdict
Colfax 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
Colfax County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Colfax 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.