Boone County Soil Data
Boone County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Boone County, Illinois
High-Quality Ground in Northern Illinois
Boone County earns a remarkable soil score of 84.8, far exceeding the state average of 73.6. The pH stands at 6.34, providing the slightly acidic environment that many Midwestern crops prefer. This combination of factors places Boone among the top-tier agricultural counties in the state.
A Grittier and More Workable Mix
Boone County features 21.0% sand, which is much higher than many central Illinois counties, providing better natural drainage and easier tillage. Silt accounts for 56.3% and clay for 19.3%, creating a balanced texture that resists compaction. This mix allows for quick warming in the spring and deep root penetration.
Boone's Organic Matter Powerhouse
The soil here is incredibly rich, boasting 5.32% organic matter—nearly double the Illinois state average of 2.94%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.215 in/in, this soil is exceptionally fertile and resilient. This 'black gold' provides a natural nutrient reservoir that few other counties can match.
Superior Drainage for Productive Fields
The higher sand content of 21.0% aids in natural drainage, a vital feature for the county's high-performing fields. While specific hydrologic groups aren't listed, the 84.8 soil score suggests that water moves and stores efficiently across the landscape. This makes the land equally valuable for commercial farming and stable residential building.
Maximizing the Season in Zone 5b
The cooler 5b hardiness zone is perfectly offset by the high organic matter in Boone County's soil. Root vegetables, leafy greens, and heavy-feeding crops like corn thrive in this nutrient-dense environment. Gardeners should take advantage of this world-class soil by planting early and often.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Boone County have?
Boone County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 56% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Boone County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Boone County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Boone County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Boone County.
What crops or plants grow well in Boone County's soil?
Based on Boone County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Boone County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Boone County is not currently available in our dataset.
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Other Counties in Illinois
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.