Gosper County Soil Data
Gosper County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Gosper County, Nebraska
Typical Nebraska Chemistry in Gosper
Gosper County has a pH of 6.84, which is slightly more alkaline than the national 6.5 median but near the state average. This level is well within the healthy range for most Nebraska agriculture and supports diverse plant life.
Balanced Mix for Nutrient Storage
Silt is the primary component at 54.3%, supported by 20% clay and 25.7% sand. This well-distributed mix offers a good balance of drainage and the ability to hold onto vital nutrients.
Superior Water Retention Potential
Organic matter sits at exactly 2.00%, matching the national average but falling below the Nebraska state mean. However, the water holding capacity is a standout at 0.208 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.172.
Reliable Moisture for Consistent Yields
Although specific hydrologic data is missing, the silty texture suggests the soil retains moisture effectively without becoming waterlogged. This high water capacity makes the county's soil a reliable choice for consistent crop yields.
Lush Gardens in Zone 5b
Zone 5b gardeners can take advantage of the superior moisture retention to grow productive fruit trees or lush vegetable beds. The overall soil score of 66.5 indicates a high potential for success in any growing endeavor.
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 Gosper County have?
Gosper County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 54% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Gosper County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Gosper 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 Gosper County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Gosper County.
What crops or plants grow well in Gosper County's soil?
Based on Gosper County's Silt 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 Gosper County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Gosper County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Gosper County
Soil Verdict
Gosper 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
Gosper County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Gosper 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.