Bureau County Soil Data
Bureau County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bureau County, Illinois
Top-Tier Soils of the Illinois Prairie
Bureau County features an impressive soil score of 82.2, positioning it as an agricultural leader in the state. The pH of 6.34 is typical for Illinois, providing the slightly acidic conditions that help liberate essential micronutrients. This high score reflects a landscape designed for high-intensity, high-yield productivity.
Rich Silt with Improved Airflow
The soil contains 56.4% silt and 20.0% sand, a combination that offers better aeration than much of the state. The 20.5% clay provides the 'glue' that holds soil particles together without causing excessive drainage issues. This balanced texture is highly prized for its workability and nutrient-holding capacity.
An Organic Matter Giant
Bureau County boasts a massive 5.00% organic matter content, which is 70% higher than the already-rich Illinois average. The available water capacity is 0.205 in/in, slightly beating the state norm. This high organic content acts as a massive fuel tank for crops, reducing the need for heavy external inputs.
Managing a High-Performance Landscape
While specific drainage classes are not provided, the soil score of 82.2 indicates that Bureau County manages its hydrology with high efficiency. The 20% sand content helps water move through the profile more freely than in tighter, clay-heavy soils. This makes the land incredibly versatile for both large-scale farming and local development.
Garden Like a Pro in Zone 5b
Zone 5b gardeners in Bureau County have a significant advantage thanks to the 5% organic matter in their soil. This rich earth is perfect for growing nutrient-hungry vegetables like broccoli, corn, and pumpkins. Your garden will likely thrive with minimal intervention in this world-class Illinois dirt.
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 Bureau County have?
Bureau County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 56% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bureau County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bureau 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 Bureau County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bureau County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bureau County's soil?
Based on Bureau 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 Bureau County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bureau 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.