Sioux County Soil Data
Sioux County, Nebraska
Avg pH
7.3
Texture
Gravelly sandy loam
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Sioux County, Nebraska
Alkaline Gravelly Sandy Loams
Sioux County's soil consists of gravelly sandy loam and falls within the Entisols order. Its pH of 7.29 is significantly more alkaline than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.79.
Coarse Texture and Rapid Transit
The soil is 53.4% sand and contains a significant 16.9% clay fraction. This coarse, gravelly texture means the soil is very easy to dig but may lose nutrients quickly due to low retention capacity.
Lower Organic Matter Reserves
The 1.74% organic matter content falls below both the national and state averages, indicating a need for soil amendments. Available water capacity is also low at 0.147 in/in, trailing the Nebraska average of 0.172.
High-Speed Drainage Profile
Classified as excessively drained and in hydrologic group A, this soil allows water to infiltrate almost instantly. While this prevents pooling and runoff, it requires gardeners to monitor moisture levels closely during summer months.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 5a
The county's low soil score of 35.8 reflects the challenges of gravelly, dry earth. In hardiness zone 5a, focus on native prairie species and xeriscaping to create a thriving, low-maintenance landscape.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Gravelly sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sioux County have?
Sioux County's soil is classified as Gravelly sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 28% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sioux County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sioux County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Sioux County?
Sioux County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Sioux County's soil?
Based on Sioux County's Gravelly sandy loam texture, pH of 7.3, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Sioux County?
Sioux 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 Sioux 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.