Douglas County Soil Data
Douglas County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Douglas County, Nebraska
Urban Soils of Douglas County
With an average pH of 6.95, Douglas County soil is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This neutral-leaning profile supports the diverse landscaping found in the Omaha metro area.
Heavy Silt for Deep Stability
The soil is comprised of 54.2% silt and 23.9% clay, creating a dense and fertile medium. The relatively low sand content of 21.8% means this soil holds together well but can be prone to compaction.
Solid Water Retention for Gardening
Available water capacity is 0.180 in/in, which beats the state average and helps urban gardens survive heat. Organic matter is 2.24%, indicating a need for compost to reach the state average of 3.32%.
Urban Hydrology and Drainage
While official drainage classes are unlisted, the high silt and clay percentages suggest moderate to slow drainage. Homebuilders and gardeners should ensure proper grading to manage runoff effectively.
Thriving in Zone 6a
As one of Nebraska's warmer pockets in Zone 6a, you can grow a wide range of perennials and even some tender shrubs. It is a fantastic environment for intensive vegetable gardening or lush urban lawns.
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: 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 Douglas County have?
Douglas County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 54% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Douglas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Douglas 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 Douglas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Douglas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Douglas County's soil?
Based on Douglas County's Silt 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 Douglas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Douglas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Douglas County
Soil Verdict
Douglas County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Douglas County is somewhat warmer than the Nebraska statewide average. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Douglas 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.