Keya Paha County Soil Data
Keya Paha County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.8
Texture
Loamy fine sand
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Keya Paha County, Nebraska
Sandy Entisols of the North
Keya Paha County features an average pH of 6.82, which is nearly identical to the Nebraska average of 6.79. The soil belongs to the Entisols order, indicating relatively young soil with little profile development. Its soil score of 47.2 is lower than the state average, largely due to its high sand content.
Dominated by Loamy Fine Sand
This county's soil is 64.0% sand, the highest in this group, with just 21.8% silt and 12.8% clay. The dominant texture is loamy fine sand, which offers very little resistance to root growth but lacks significant nutrient storage. This mix is highly workable but requires consistent inputs to maintain productivity.
Lower Water Retention and Matter
The organic matter content is 2.57%, falling well below the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. Available water capacity is also low at 0.135 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.172. Producers often find that this soil requires careful water management to prevent crop stress.
Excessively Drained and Permeable
The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. This means water moves through the profile very quickly, minimizing runoff but increasing the need for frequent watering. This drainage class is excellent for construction but challenging for moisture-loving plants.
Hardy Plants for Zone 5a
Keya Paha County sits in Hardiness Zone 5a, where winters are cold and the soil drains fast. Focus on deep-rooted plants or drought-resistant varieties like sage and buffalo grass that thrive in sandy loams. Mulching heavily will help you make the most of the 2.57% organic matter available.
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 Keya Paha County have?
Keya Paha County's soil is classified as Loamy fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 64% sand, 22% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Keya Paha County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Keya Paha 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 Keya Paha County?
Keya Paha 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 Keya Paha County's soil?
Based on Keya Paha County's Loamy fine sand texture, pH of 6.8, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Keya Paha County?
Keya Paha 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.
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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.