Greeley County Soil Data
Greeley County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Greeley County, Nebraska
The State Benchmark for pH
Greeley County hits the Nebraska state average pH of 6.79 exactly, leaning slightly alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5. This consistency makes it a textbook example of Central Nebraska soil chemistry.
A Manageable Sandy-Silt Texture
The soil is nearly an even split between sand at 47.1% and silt at 37.5%, with a smaller clay portion of 15.5%. This creates a manageable texture that provides decent aeration for plant root systems.
Stable Water Storage with Lower Organic
Organic matter is a bit low at 1.93%, trailing both the state and national averages. However, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is almost identical to the state average, ensuring reliable moisture access for crops.
Steady Water Movement Through Sand
Data for specific drainage classes is limited, but the nearly 50% sand content facilitates steady water movement through the profile. This balance helps prevent the soil from compacting too tightly under heavy equipment or foot traffic.
Hardy Zone 5a Grain Selection
Hardy zone 5a plants like oats, rye, and sunflowers are ideal for this environment. Improving the soil with compost can help boost organic matter levels and unlock the land's full growing potential.
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 Greeley County have?
Greeley County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 37% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Greeley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Greeley 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 Greeley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Greeley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Greeley County's soil?
Based on Greeley County's 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 Greeley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Greeley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Greeley County
Soil Verdict
Greeley 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
Greeley County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Greeley 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.