Hitchcock County Soil Data
Hitchcock County, Nebraska
Avg pH
7.3
Texture
Loamy fine sand
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Hitchcock County, Nebraska
Alkaline Sands on the Frontier
Hitchcock County has an average pH of 7.34, making it one of the more alkaline regions in the state. These Entisols carry a soil score of 45.5, indicating they are less naturally fertile than the Nebraska average of 58.9. The high pH can sometimes limit the availability of certain micronutrients like iron.
Gritty Loamy Fine Sands
The dominant texture is loamy fine sand, featuring 41.4% sand and 43.8% silt. This blend is very light and workable, though it lacks the structural strength of soils with more clay. With only 14.8% clay content, the soil is prone to erosion if not covered by vegetation or mulch.
Building Fertility From the Ground Up
Organic matter sits at 1.76%, which is below the national benchmark of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.184 in/in actually beats the state average of 0.172. This suggests that while the soil is lean on nutrients, it can still hold enough moisture to support resilient crops.
Somewhat Excessively Drained Landscape
The county’s soil belongs to hydrologic group A and is somewhat excessively drained. This ensures that your garden won't suffer from 'wet feet,' as water infiltrates the ground rapidly. For builders, this means excellent drainage for basements and septic systems, though it requires more frequent watering for plants.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 5b
Gardeners in zone 5b should choose plants that can handle alkaline conditions and sandy textures. Succulents, sage, and deep-rooted perennials are natural winners in this Hitchcock County soil. With a little extra organic matter and regular water, you can turn these sandy plains into a productive green space.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy fine sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hitchcock County have?
Hitchcock County's soil is classified as Loamy fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 44% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hitchcock County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hitchcock County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Hitchcock County?
Hitchcock County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Hitchcock County's soil?
Based on Hitchcock County's Loamy fine sand texture, pH of 7.3, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Hitchcock County?
Hitchcock County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hitchcock 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.