Frontier County Soil Data
Frontier County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Frontier County, Nebraska
Frontier County's Well-Drained Inceptisols
The soil features an average pH of 6.78 and belongs to the Inceptisols taxonomic order. These are young soils that are highly adaptable and mimic the Nebraska state average pH almost perfectly.
The Classic Silt Loam Texture
Classified as a silt loam, the soil is 54.6% silt and 19.0% clay. This texture is legendary for its balance, offering 24.5% sand to ensure the ground remains breathable and workable for farmers.
Superior Water-Holding Capacity
Frontier County excels with an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.172 in/in. Organic matter sits at 2.01%, providing a solid foundation for the impressive 64.8 soil score.
Excellent Natural Drainage
The soil is officially 'Well drained' and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. This means it has a moderate infiltration rate, making it ideal for building foundations and large-scale agriculture alike.
Vibrant Planting in Zone 5b
Hardiness Zone 5b is excellent for growing hardy grains and deep-rooted native prairie plants. The high water capacity means you can sustain a garden with less supplemental water than in other parts of the state.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
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 Frontier County have?
Frontier County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 55% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Frontier County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Frontier 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 Frontier County?
Frontier County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Frontier County's soil?
Based on Frontier County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.8, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Frontier County?
Frontier County's dominant soil order is Inceptisols. Inceptisols are young soils with weak horizon development. They occur in a wide range of climates and parent materials.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Frontier County
Soil Verdict
Frontier 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
Frontier County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Frontier 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.