Hooker County Soil Data
Hooker County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
16.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hooker County, Nebraska
The Heart of the Sandhills
Hooker County features an average pH of 6.68, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. Its soil score of 59.9 is slightly above the state average of 58.9, a surprising feat for such a sandy region. This area represents the classic, rugged soil profile of the central Nebraska Sandhills.
Extreme Sand and Low Clay
The soil is dominated by a massive 66.9% sand content, with only 5% clay and 6.8% silt. This makes the soil incredibly porous and lightweight, but it lacks the 'glue' provided by clay to hold it together. It is a delicate landscape that is highly susceptible to erosion if the native grasses are disturbed.
An Organic Matter Anomaly
The recorded organic matter is a staggering 16.38%, far exceeding the state average of 3.32%. Despite this rich organic content, the available water capacity is very low at 0.094 in/in. This contradiction means the soil is fertile but struggles to keep plants hydrated in the dry Sandhills climate.
Natural Drainage in the Dunes
Official drainage class and hydrologic group data are unavailable for much of this county's rural expanse. However, given the 66.9% sand content, you can expect extremely rapid drainage across most of the landscape. This prevents waterlogging but makes irrigation a constant necessity for any non-native plants.
Gardening on the Edge in Zone 5b
In zone 5b, native prairie grasses and wildflowers are your best bet for a successful landscape. If you are growing vegetables, you must use raised beds or heavy amendments to compensate for the incredibly low water capacity. Embrace the unique Sandhills ecology by planting drought-resistant varieties.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hooker County have?
Hooker County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 67% sand, 7% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hooker County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hooker 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 Hooker County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hooker County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hooker County's soil?
Based on Hooker 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 Hooker County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hooker County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.