Grant County Soil Data
Grant County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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: 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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Grant County
Soil Verdict
Grant 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
Grant County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Grant 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.