Howard County Soil Data
Howard County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Howard County, Nebraska
Typical Nebraska Entisols
Howard County’s soil pH of 6.79 perfectly matches the Nebraska state average. These soils are classified as Entisols and carry a soil score of 54.7, just slightly below the state benchmark. This represents a classic mid-state soil profile that is versatile but requires some management.
Balanced Loam with Sandy Tones
The dominant texture is loam, composed of 46.6% sand and 36.8% silt. This mix provides enough sand for drainage and enough silt for nutrient retention and workability. With 15.7% clay, the soil has a light structure that is less likely to crack in the summer heat than heavier soils.
Meeting State Benchmarks for Water
Organic matter sits at 2.06%, which is just above the national average but below Nebraska’s 3.32% mark. The available water capacity is 0.173 in/in, hitting the state average almost exactly. These numbers indicate a reliable, if not extraordinary, foundation for regional agriculture.
Managing Poorly Drained Lowlands
Surprisingly, the dominant drainage class is very poorly drained, categorized in hydrologic group B/D. This suggests that while the soil texture is loamy, the local topography often leads to high water tables or pooling. Gardeners should consider raised beds to avoid root rot during wet Nebraska springs.
Diverse Options in Zone 5b
Howard County’s zone 5b climate supports a wide range of Nebraska staples like sweet corn and peppers. Because of the poor drainage in some areas, choosing water-tolerant varieties can be a smart strategy. Start your garden with confidence, knowing your soil has the perfect average pH for most vegetables.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Very poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that free water remains at or on the surface most of the year. Typically wetland soils.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Howard County have?
Howard County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 37% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Howard County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Howard 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 Howard County?
Howard County has a dominant drainage class of "Very poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Howard County's soil?
Based on Howard County's Loam texture, pH of 6.8, and Very poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Howard County?
Howard 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Howard County
Soil Verdict
Howard County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Howard County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Howard 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.