Brown County Soil Data
Brown County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Brown County, Illinois
Near-Neutral Soils in Brown County
Brown County's soil pH of 6.44 is almost perfectly aligned with the national median of 6.5. This makes it one of the most chemically balanced counties in Illinois for standard plant growth. The overall soil score of 71.1 indicates a reliable and productive agricultural landscape.
Dominant Silt and Clay Balance
The soil is comprised of 65.7% silt and 22.5% clay, with a low sand percentage of 11.8%. This high concentration of fine particles means the soil is excellent at retaining fertilizers and moisture. However, the high clay and silt content can make the ground feel 'heavy' and slow to dry after a storm.
Steady Growth with Average Organic Levels
At 1.98% organic matter, Brown County sits right at the national average of 2.0% but falls below the Illinois average of 2.94%. Its available water capacity of 0.203 in/in matches the state average almost exactly. This represents a stable environment where moisture is reliably available for crops throughout the season.
Consistent Moisture for Local Fields
The soil's physical makeup suggests a landscape that holds water well, supported by an AWC of 0.203. Without specific drainage class data, the soil score of 71.1 serves as the best indicator of overall stability and utility. Farmers here likely focus on managing the high silt content to maintain healthy soil structure.
Standard Illinois Success in Zone 6a
In hardiness zone 6a, Brown County is well-suited for all the classic Illinois favorites of the Midwest garden. Tomatoes, peppers, and squash will appreciate the near-neutral pH and steady water supply. Adding compost can help boost the organic matter to reach the state's full potential.
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 Brown County have?
Brown County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 12% sand, 66% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Brown County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brown County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Brown County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Brown County.
What crops or plants grow well in Brown County's soil?
Based on Brown County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Brown County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Brown County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Brown County
Soil Verdict
Brown County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Brown County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brown County on LawnByCounty.com →
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.