Grant County Soil Data

Grant County, Nebraska

Avg pH

6.7

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

14.1%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Grant County, Nebraska

Neutral Chemistry in the Sandhills

Grant County soils maintain a pH of 6.73, mirroring the Nebraska state average almost perfectly. Although the taxonomic order is not recorded, the chemical balance provides a neutral environment suitable for most local vegetation.

Extreme Sand and Low Resistance

Sand dominates this landscape at 68%, while clay makes up a tiny 5.5% of the profile. This composition results in a very loose soil structure that offers minimal resistance to root growth or farm implements.

Extraordinary Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content is an extraordinary 14.07%, nearly seven times the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is the lowest in the region at 0.098 in/in, meaning water passes through almost instantly.

Rapid Infiltration Needs Management

With nearly 70% sand, these soils are naturally fast-draining even without official hydrologic group data. The combination of massive organic matter and low water retention creates a unique environment that demands frequent, light watering.

Tubers and Prairie Plants in 5a

In zone 5a, focus on native prairie plants or specialized gardens that benefit from extremely high organic content. The sandy soil is perfect for potatoes or other tubers that require loose earth to expand.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 68.0%
Silt: 7.4%
Clay: 5.5%
Loam

Soil pH

6.7pH
6.72673339698324
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Grant County have?

Grant County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 68% sand, 7% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Grant County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Grant 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 Grant County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Grant County.

What crops or plants grow well in Grant County's soil?

Based on Grant 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 Grant County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Grant County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.