Cuming County Soil Data
Cuming County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cuming County, Nebraska
Near-Perfect pH for Nebraska
Cuming County soils average a pH of 6.81, nearly identical to the state average of 6.79 and just above the national median. This balanced pH allows for maximum nutrient availability for most common agricultural crops.
Stable Silt-Loam Characteristics
The soil is comprised of 47.9% silt, 27.8% sand, and 22.4% clay. This provides a stable texture that is less prone to the erosion of sandy soils while retaining better drainage than pure clay.
High Water Capacity potential
Available water capacity stands at 0.185 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.172. While the 2.65% organic matter is below the state mark, it remains healthy and productive for a wide variety of plants.
Reliable Subsurface Hydrology
The balance of clay and silt ensures that moisture is stored deep in the root zone rather than draining away too quickly. This helps maintain crop health during the late summer months when rainfall typically decreases.
Productive Gardening in Zone 5b
In hardiness zone 5b, gardeners can expect great results with corn, beans, and squash in this reliable soil. A soil score of 62.3 indicates high-quality land that responds very well to standard organic fertilizers.
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 Cuming County have?
Cuming County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 48% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cuming County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cuming County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Cuming County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cuming County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cuming County's soil?
Based on Cuming County's Loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 Cuming County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cuming County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cuming County
Soil Verdict
Cuming 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
Cuming 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 Cuming 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.