Webster County Soil Data
Webster County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Webster County, Nebraska
Optimal pH Levels in Webster
Webster County perfectly matches the state average with a pH of 6.79, providing an ideal environment for nutrient uptake. This neutral rating is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, favoring local crop productivity.
Silt-Heavy Soils Provide Structure
The composition is 53.3% silt and 20.7% clay, creating a smooth texture that manages water efficiently. With a sand content of 24.7%, the soil maintains enough porosity to allow for healthy root respiration.
Exceptional Organic Richness
At 3.68%, the organic matter content in Webster County exceeds both the state and national averages. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.195 in/in, this soil is naturally fertile and drought-resistant.
Productive Land with High Scores
Although specific drainage classes are unavailable, the impressive soil score of 71.7 suggests very few physical limitations. This rating is much higher than the Nebraska average of 58.9, marking it as premium agricultural land.
A Gardener’s Dream in Zone 5b
The combination of high organic matter and zone 5b weather makes this an excellent place to start a garden. You can expect high yields of leafy greens and root vegetables in this nutrient-dense Nebraska earth.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Webster County have?
Webster County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 53% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Webster County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Webster 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 Webster County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Webster County.
What crops or plants grow well in Webster County's soil?
Based on Webster County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 Webster County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Webster County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Webster County
Soil Verdict
Webster 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
Webster County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Webster 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.