Loup County Soil Data
Loup County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Loup County, Nebraska
Ideal pH Balance in Loup County
Loup County boasts a pH of 6.68, placing it very close to the ideal national median of 6.5. This makes the soil less alkaline than the Nebraska average of 6.79, offering a versatile chemical base for plant life. The soil earns a score of 57.4, reflecting solid agricultural potential despite its light texture.
Granular Mix Defines the Local Landscape
The soil is predominantly sand at 61.8%, with silt at 22.5% and a low clay content of 10.4%. This mix indicates very light soil that is easy to till but may struggle to hold onto mobile nutrients like nitrogen. The low clay percentage suggests minimal risk of heavy clods or crusting.
Superior Organic Wealth for Better Yields
At 3.93%, Loup County's organic matter significantly exceeds both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity is relatively low at 0.139 in/in, compared to the state’s 0.172 average. This high organic content helps mitigate the soil's natural tendency to dry out quickly.
Managing High Permeability in the Sandhills
Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the 61.8% sand content ensures the ground drains exceptionally fast. This minimizes standing water but requires more frequent, light watering rather than deep, infrequent irrigation. High permeability is a primary consideration for any local septic or foundation design.
Lush Possibilities in Zone 5a
As a Zone 5a region, Loup County supports cold-season grains and hardy shrubs that can handle the fast-draining soil. The high organic matter provides a head start for gardening enthusiasts looking to grow leafy greens or native tallgrasses. Consider raised beds with extra mulch to preserve moisture in this sandy environment.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Loup County have?
Loup County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 23% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Loup County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Loup 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 Loup County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Loup County.
What crops or plants grow well in Loup County's soil?
Based on Loup County's Sandy 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 Loup County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Loup 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.