Custer County Soil Data
Custer County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Custer County, Nebraska
Mollisol Loams in the Heartland
Custer County is characterized by Mollisol loams with a neutral pH of 6.80. This pH is right in the sweet spot for nutrient uptake, matching the Nebraska state average of 6.79 almost perfectly.
A Gritty, Workable Loam
The soil contains 49.0% sand, 34.7% silt, and 15.2% clay. This creates a gritty loam texture that is very easy to cultivate and resists the heavy compaction found in more clay-rich counties.
Standard Water Retention
The organic matter content is 1.96%, which is typical for the region but lower than the state average. Available water capacity is 0.175 in/in, slightly exceeding the Nebraska average and providing a solid foundation for plant growth.
Managing Poorly Drained Areas
Custer features very poorly drained soils in hydrologic group B/D, suggesting a high water table or slow internal drainage in many areas. Gardeners may need to use raised beds to prevent plant roots from becoming waterlogged.
Hardy Options for Zone 5a
Zone 5a requires plants that can handle colder winters, such as apples and hardy root vegetables. With its workable loam texture, this is an excellent county for starting a large-scale home vegetable garden.
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
Very poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that free water remains at or on the surface most of the year. Typically wetland soils.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Custer County have?
Custer County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 35% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Custer County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Custer 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 Custer County?
Custer County has a dominant drainage class of "Very poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Custer County's soil?
Based on Custer County's Loam texture, pH of 6.8, and Very poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Custer County?
Custer County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Custer 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.