Pawnee County Soil Data
Pawnee County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Pawnee County, Nebraska
Silt Loams and Entisols
Pawnee County is characterized by Silt Loam textures and the Entisols taxonomic order, which represents relatively young soil development. The average pH of 6.31 is more acidic than both the national median of 6.5 and the Nebraska state average of 6.79. This profile creates a distinct chemical environment that can be optimized with common soil amendments like lime.
A Dense Clay and Silt Mixture
The soil is comprised of 48.9% silt and 29.6% clay, balanced by just 19.7% sand. This composition creates a dense, heavy texture that provides high nutrient capacity but can be challenging to work when wet. The high clay content makes the soil naturally resistant to rapid water movement.
Deep Moisture Reservoirs
Pawnee County features an organic matter content of 2.90%, which is lower than the Nebraska average of 3.32% but healthy compared to the 2.0% national benchmark. Its available water capacity of 0.188 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.172 in/in. This ability to store water deeply in the soil profile supports crops through seasonal dry spells.
Managing Poorly Drained Lands
The dominant drainage class is 'Poorly drained,' and the soil belongs to Hydrologic Group C/D, indicating low infiltration rates and high runoff potential. These characteristics are critical for planning construction projects and require careful management of field drainage to prevent waterlogging. Homeowners should ensure proper grading away from foundations to handle the slow-moving water.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a
Zone 6a allows for a diverse range of plantings, though moisture-tolerant varieties will perform best here. The high available water capacity makes Pawnee County a strong candidate for native prairie restoration and water-intensive summer crops. If you are starting a garden, consider raised beds to help manage the naturally slow drainage of these silt loams.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Pawnee County have?
Pawnee County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 49% silt, and 30% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pawnee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pawnee County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Pawnee County?
Pawnee County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Pawnee County's soil?
Based on Pawnee County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.3, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Pawnee County?
Pawnee 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pawnee 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.