Dundy County Soil Data
Dundy County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dundy County, Nebraska
Dundy County's High-Alkaline Profile
The average pH of 7.27 is significantly higher than the state average of 6.79. These alkaline conditions are typical for the southwestern corner of the state, though taxonomic specifics are currently unmapped.
Sand-Heavy Plains Soil
Dominated by 59.9% sand, this soil offers rapid drainage but has low clay content at 12.5%. This makes the soil light and easy to dig, though it holds onto very few nutrients compared to silty regions.
Challenging Fertility Benchmarks
Organic matter is quite low at 1.19%, which is well below the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.150 in/in is also lower than the state average, leading to a modest soil score of 29.7.
Monitoring Fast Drainage Patterns
Specific hydrologic group data is unavailable, but the high sand percentage implies very rapid water movement. Frequent, light watering is usually more effective here than heavy, infrequent irrigation.
Hardy Plants for Zone 5b
Gardeners in Zone 5b should focus on native, drought-resistant species that can handle alkaline sand. With some added organic amendments, you can still maintain a resilient and beautiful landscape.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dundy County have?
Dundy County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 27% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dundy County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dundy County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Dundy County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Dundy County.
What crops or plants grow well in Dundy County's soil?
Based on Dundy County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Dundy County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dundy County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Dundy County
Soil Verdict
Dundy 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
Dundy County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dundy 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.