McPherson County Soil Data
McPherson County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
13.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McPherson County, Nebraska
Neutral Sands of McPherson County
McPherson County maintains a soil pH of 6.70, which is close to the state average of 6.79 and just above the national median of 6.5. This neutral environment is conducive to a wide variety of biological activity and nutrient cycling. The county's overall soil score of 58.5 sits right near the state benchmark.
Highly Porous and Coarse Textures
With a sand content of 69.8%, this is some of the coarsest soil in the region, balanced by only 8.1% silt and 5.6% clay. Such high sand levels mean the soil has very little natural cohesion or surface area for nutrient storage. Workability is high, but the soil lacks the 'body' needed for heavy moisture retention.
Extreme Organic Matter in Sandy Ground
The county reports an unusually high organic matter level of 13.36%, dwarfing the state average of 3.32%. Despite this organic wealth, the available water capacity is very low at 0.093 in/in, well below the state average of 0.172. This suggests that while carbon is present, the sandy structure prevents effective water storage.
Rapid Infiltration Requires Careful Planning
The dominant sand fraction leads to rapid drainage, which can cause nutrients to leach away quickly during heavy rains. This hydrology is better suited for deep-rooted native grasses than for shallow-rooted crops without irrigation. Building foundations benefit from the lack of expansive clays, though soil stability varies.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 5b
In Zone 5b, McPherson County is a prime location for native prairie restoration and drought-hardy xeriscaping. The high organic matter provides a unique boost, even if the sandy soil dries out quickly between rains. Focus on native perennials like Little Bluestem or Bee Balm that thrive in these porous, neutral conditions.
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 McPherson County have?
McPherson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 70% sand, 8% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McPherson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McPherson 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 McPherson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McPherson County.
What crops or plants grow well in McPherson County's soil?
Based on McPherson 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 McPherson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McPherson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McPherson 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.