Furnas County Soil Data
Furnas County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Furnas County, Nebraska
Alkaline Silt Foundations in Furnas County
Furnas County maintains a slightly alkaline pH of 6.93, which sits just above the Nebraska state average of 6.79 and the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not documented in this dataset, the chemical profile provides a stable environment for regional agriculture.
A Stable Silt-Heavy Texture
The soil is predominantly silty, composed of 57.7% silt and 20.5% clay. This mixture provides a firm structure that balances workability with enough density to prevent rapid nutrient leaching across the landscape.
High Water Capacity Boosts Growth
Organic matter levels reach 2.07%, slightly exceeding the national median but trailing the state average of 3.32%. However, an impressive available water capacity of 0.201 in/in means the ground holds moisture exceptionally well compared to the state average of 0.172.
Predicting Moisture in Missing Data
While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded here, the high silt content generally suggests moderate permeability. The overall soil score of 62.9 indicates a solid foundation for agricultural use despite the lack of specific drainage classifications.
Resilient Planting in Zone 5b
Hardiness zone 5b supports resilient crops like winter wheat and hardy root vegetables. Gardeners should leverage the high water retention to sustain thirsty perennials during dry Nebraska summers.
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 Furnas County have?
Furnas County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 58% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Furnas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Furnas County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Furnas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Furnas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Furnas County's soil?
Based on Furnas County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.9, 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 Furnas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Furnas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Furnas County
Soil Verdict
Furnas 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
Furnas County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions. 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 Furnas 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.