Franklin County Soil Data

Franklin County, Nebraska

Avg pH

6.7

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

2.1%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Franklin County, Nebraska

Neutral Stability in Franklin County

Franklin County features a pH of 6.69, nearly matching the state average and the national ideal for plant growth. This creates a stable chemical environment where most nutrients remain readily available to crops.

A Balanced Loamy Mix

The composition is 46.8% silt and 32.6% sand, providing a classic loamy feel that is prized by growers. The 17.5% clay content adds enough structure to hold nutrients without making the soil too heavy to work.

Strong Water Retention Potential

Available water capacity is 0.182 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.172 in/in. While the 2.11% organic matter is lower than the state's 3.32%, the overall soil score of 60.1 reflects high quality.

Assessing Local Water Flow

Official drainage classifications are missing for this region, but the silt-heavy mix typically provides reliable moisture. Gardeners should monitor for surface crusting, which can occur with these silt levels after heavy rain.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone allows for a wide variety of heat-loving plants like peppers and tomatoes. With its balanced soil and favorable climate, Franklin County is a great place to cultivate a home garden.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 32.6%
Silt: 46.8%
Clay: 17.5%
Loam

Soil pH

6.7pH
6.68528983421757
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Franklin County have?

Franklin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 33% sand, 47% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Franklin County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Franklin County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Franklin County.

What crops or plants grow well in Franklin County's soil?

Based on Franklin County's Loam texture, pH of 6.7, 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 Franklin County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Franklin County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.