Nuckolls County Soil Data
Nuckolls County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Nuckolls County, Nebraska
A Near-Perfect pH Balance
Nuckolls County soil sits at a pH of 6.62, placing it remarkably close to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity level is lower than the Nebraska state average of 6.79. While formal taxonomic classification data is limited for this area, the chemical balance suggests a versatile foundation for local plant life.
Silt-Heavy Soils for Easy Tilling
The county's soil profile is dominated by 54.9% silt and 23.6% sand, with a 21.5% clay component. This high silt percentage creates a fine texture that is generally easy to work and resists excessive compaction. The balance between sand and clay helps manage the flow of water and nutrients through the root zone.
Top-Tier Fertility and Water Storage
Nuckolls County boasts a high soil score of 80.0 out of 100, far exceeding the state average of 58.9. Its organic matter content of 3.71% outperforms the Nebraska average of 3.32% and the national average of 2.0%. With an available water capacity of 0.205 in/in, these soils hold significantly more moisture than the state average of 0.172 in/in.
Efficient Water Management Potential
Specific drainage class data is unavailable for this county, but the high silt content suggests a moderate natural drainage rate. Farmers and builders should note the high available water capacity, which indicates the soil's ability to retain moisture during dry spells. Proper site-specific testing is recommended for any major construction or irrigation projects.
Flourishing in Zone 6a
This county falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, which provides a long enough growing season for diverse crops. The combination of high organic matter and excellent water storage makes it ideal for corn, soybeans, and vibrant vegetable gardens. Start your local garden today to take advantage of some of the state's best-scoring soil.
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: Silt 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 Nuckolls County have?
Nuckolls County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 55% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Nuckolls County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Nuckolls County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Nuckolls County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Nuckolls County.
What crops or plants grow well in Nuckolls County's soil?
Based on Nuckolls County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Nuckolls County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Nuckolls County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Nuckolls County
Soil Verdict
Nuckolls County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Nuckolls County is somewhat warmer than the Nebraska statewide average. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Nuckolls 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.