Wayne County Soil Data
Wayne County, Nebraska
Avg pH
6.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Wayne County, Nebraska
Classic Mollisols Define Wayne County
The county is dominated by Mollisols with a pH of 6.76, nearly matching the Nebraska state average. This neutral environment is highly conducive to nutrient cycling and supports a robust agricultural economy.
Balanced Loam for Easy Working
A dominant loam texture emerges from a mix of 49.5% silt and 28.8% sand. This balanced composition ensures the soil is easy to till while providing enough clay at 21.6% to prevent nutrient leaching.
Reliable Fertility and Storage
Organic matter reaches 2.53%, which is healthy by national standards even if it falls short of the state's 3.32% average. The available water capacity is 0.192 in/in, offering a better moisture reservoir than the typical Nebraska soil.
Well Drained for Diverse Use
The soil is officially well drained and falls into hydrologic group B, making it excellent for both farming and construction. These characteristics mean you won't often deal with standing water or root rot in local gardens.
Thriving in the 5b Garden
Wayne County's zone 5b climate is perfect for cool-season crops and hearty perennials. With a soil score of 65.7, this land is ready to support everything from backyard tomatoes to sprawling soybean fields.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wayne County have?
Wayne County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 50% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wayne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wayne 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 Wayne County?
Wayne County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Wayne County's soil?
Based on Wayne County's Loam texture, pH of 6.8, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Wayne County?
Wayne 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wayne 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.