Saunders County Soil Data
Saunders County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.8
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Saunders County, Nebraska
Productive Mollisols in Saunders
Saunders County is dominated by Mollisols, the world's most productive agricultural soils, with a neutral pH of 6.83. This pH is slightly higher than the national 6.5 median and the state 6.79 average. These dark, fertile soils are the backbone of the region's farming success.
Silt Loam Provides Ideal Balance
The texture is a silt loam, containing 49.1% silt and roughly 25% each of sand and clay. This balanced composition offers the best of all worlds: drainage, nutrient retention, and easy workability. It is a highly desirable texture for both large-scale farming and home gardening.
Solid Moisture Storage and Fertility
The organic matter content is 2.57%, which is healthy compared to the 2.0% national average. Water capacity is also strong at 0.186 in/in, comfortably beating the state average of 0.172. These soils can support heavy plant growth even through Nebraska's peak summer heat.
Managing Poorly Drained Hydrologic Group D
Despite the good texture, these soils are often classified as poorly drained and belong to Hydrologic Group D. This means they have high runoff potential and can stay wet for long periods after rain. Growers must often utilize tiling or drainage ditches to manage excess water.
Hardy Crops for Zone 5b
Hardiness zone 5b supports classic Nebraska crops like corn and soybeans alongside cool-weather vegetables. Gardeners should consider raised beds to bypass the slow drainage of the native soil. These soils are naturally rich, so your garden will thrive with minimal extra fertilizer.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
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 Saunders County have?
Saunders County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 49% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Saunders County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Saunders County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Saunders County?
Saunders 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 Saunders County's soil?
Based on Saunders County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 Saunders County?
Saunders County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
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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.