Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Franklin County
Soil Verdict
Franklin 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
Franklin County is somewhat warmer than the Nebraska statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Franklin 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.