Valley County Soil Data
Valley County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Valley County, Nebraska
Ideally Balanced Neutral Soils
Valley County features a pH of 6.65, sitting very close to the national median of 6.5. This provides an optimal chemical environment where most soil nutrients remain easily accessible to plants.
A Versatile Loamy Mix
The composition includes 44.3% sand, 37.5% silt, and 16.0% clay. This balanced distribution offers the best of both worlds: good drainage from the sand and nutrient capacity from the silt and clay.
Competitive Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter is strong at 3.26%, nearly reaching the state average of 3.32%. The available water capacity of 0.185 in/in also beats the state average, making the soil naturally resilient to drought.
Reliable and Productive Hydrology
While detailed drainage classes are not provided, the balanced texture suggests moderate drainage that supports healthy root growth. The soil manages to hold onto plenty of water without becoming waterlogged.
High Potential in Zone 5b
A high soil score of 69.3 makes Valley County an excellent location for any gardening project. In hardiness zone 5b, you have the perfect soil foundation for everything from orchards to expansive vegetable patches.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Valley County have?
Valley County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 37% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Valley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Valley County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Valley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Valley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Valley County's soil?
Based on Valley County's Loam texture, pH of 6.7, 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 Valley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Valley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Valley County
Soil Verdict
Valley County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Valley County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Valley 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.