Platte County Soil Data
Platte County, Wyoming
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Platte County, Wyoming
Sandy Soils in Platte County
The county features an average pH of 7.17, which is nearly identical to the state average of 7.18. This alkaline environment is significantly higher than the national 6.5 median, which can limit the uptake of some micronutrients.
Sand-Dominant Composition
With 57.6% sand and only 13.9% clay, these soils are exceptionally light and easy to till. This high sand content means the soil warms up quickly in the spring but may lose nutrients through leaching.
Moisture Management Challenges
Organic matter is 1.87%, falling just short of the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity is 0.132 in/in, which is lower than the state average and requires attentive irrigation.
Rapid Drainage and Infiltration
While not officially classified, the high sand percentage typically creates rapid drainage. This is excellent for preventing waterlogged roots but means the soil dries out faster than more balanced mixes.
Abundance in Zone 5a
Platte County’s Zone 5a climate is well-suited for crops like potatoes and peppers that enjoy well-drained soil. Start your garden today and enjoy the benefits of some of the easiest-to-work soil in the state.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Platte County have?
Platte County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 23% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Platte County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Platte County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Platte County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Platte County.
What crops or plants grow well in Platte County's soil?
Based on Platte County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Platte County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Platte County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Platte County
Soil Verdict
Platte 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
Platte County closely matches the Wyoming average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Platte County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Wyoming
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.