Thurston County Soil Data
Thurston County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Thurston County, Nebraska
Neutral and Rich Silty Earth
Thurston County’s soil has a pH of 6.96, nearly a perfect neutral 7.0. This makes it slightly more alkaline than the state average and provides an excellent chemical baseline for most agriculture.
Heavy Silt and High Clay
With 54.8% silt and 25.2% clay, this soil is much heavier than the state average. This fine texture creates a nutrient-rich environment that can be harder to till but offers great stability for plant roots.
Premium Water Retention
Thurston provides a high available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, well above the Nebraska average of 0.172. Organic matter is 2.71%, offering a solid foundation for plant health and biological activity.
Moisture-Rich Silt Profiles
Specific drainage data is not listed, but the low sand content (20.0%) indicates that water stays in the root zone much longer. This helps crops survive during the hotter, drier parts of the Nebraska summer.
Success in Hardiness Zone 5a
A soil score of 66.6 confirms that this is highly productive land. In zone 5a, gardeners can leverage the high water capacity to grow thirsty crops like melons and squash with great success.
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
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Thurston County have?
Thurston County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 55% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Thurston County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Thurston County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Thurston County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Thurston County.
What crops or plants grow well in Thurston County's soil?
Based on Thurston County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Thurston County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Thurston County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Thurston County
Soil Verdict
Thurston County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°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. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. 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
Thurston County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Thurston 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.