Madison County Soil Data
Madison County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Madison County, Nebraska
High-Quality Ground in Madison County
Madison County earns a strong soil score of 61.3, outperforming the Nebraska state average of 58.9. The average pH is 6.67, which is remarkably close to the national median of 6.5 and slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.79. This balanced chemistry is ideal for maximizing crop nutrient uptake.
The Perfect Middle Ground of Texture
The soil composition is evenly balanced with 40.6% sand, 39.2% silt, and 18.6% clay. This loamy mix offers the best of all worlds: good drainage from sand, nutrient holding from silt, and structural integrity from clay. It provides excellent workability for both industrial farming and home gardening.
Reliable Water Storage for Crop Success
Madison County features an available water capacity of 0.175 in/in, which exceeds the state average of 0.172. Organic matter content is 2.48%, sitting above the national benchmark of 2.0% but below the state average. This combination ensures that plants have a steady reservoir of moisture during dry spells.
Efficient Hydrology for Stable Landscapes
The balanced silt and sand levels suggest moderate drainage speeds that prevent both waterlogging and excessive leaching. This makes the county's land reliable for diverse uses, from residential building to intense row-cropping. Effective water management is naturally easier here than in the sandier counties to the west.
Diverse Planting Options in Zone 5b
Madison County's 5b hardiness zone and high-quality loamy soil are perfect for corn, soybeans, and vibrant vegetable gardens. The soil’s ability to hold water makes it a great candidate for fruit trees like apples and pears. Your garden will thrive with minimal intervention thanks to the naturally high soil score.
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 Madison County have?
Madison County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 39% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Madison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Madison 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 Madison County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Madison County.
What crops or plants grow well in Madison County's soil?
Based on Madison 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 Madison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Madison 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.