Garfield County Soil Data
Garfield County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Garfield County, Nebraska
Neutral Balance in Garfield County
Garfield County features a near-neutral pH of 6.75, making it very similar to the typical Nebraska state average of 6.79. This chemical balance is generally welcoming to a broad range of native plants and commercial crops.
A Light, Sandy Soil Texture
The texture is sandy, with sand making up 59.4% of the soil compared to only 12.2% clay. This means the soil is light and easy to work, though it lacks the heavy body found in clay-rich regions.
Meeting the State Organic Average
Organic matter is strong at 3.33%, hitting the state average almost exactly. The available water capacity of 0.150 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.172, reflecting the sandier nature of the county.
Sand-Driven Water Infiltration
Formal drainage classifications are unavailable, but the high sand-to-clay ratio points toward rapid water infiltration. This prevents water from pooling on the surface but may lead to faster drying during the peak of summer.
Hardy Crops for Zone 5a
Situated in zone 5a, Garfield County is well-suited for cool-weather crops and hardy grains. The balanced organic levels provide a great head start for any new garden project or agricultural expansion.
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 Garfield County have?
Garfield County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 59% sand, 25% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Garfield County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Garfield 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 Garfield County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Garfield County.
What crops or plants grow well in Garfield County's soil?
Based on Garfield County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 Garfield County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Garfield County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Garfield County
Soil Verdict
Garfield County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°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. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. 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
Garfield County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Garfield 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.