Calhoun County Soil Data
Calhoun County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Calhoun County, Illinois
Perfectly Balanced pH for Calhoun
Calhoun County soil has a pH of 6.48, which is almost identical to the national ideal of 6.5. This neutral chemical profile is excellent for nutrient availability, making it easier for plants to thrive without extensive liming. The county earns a soil score of 71.7, indicating solid agricultural potential.
Silty Soils Between the Rivers
This county's soil is 66.3% silt and 21.8% clay, with just 11.9% sand, a typical profile for land tucked between major rivers. The high silt percentage creates a fine-grained earth that is excellent at holding moisture. However, these soils can be prone to erosion on slopes, requiring careful management.
Reliable Water but Lean Organic Matter
Organic matter in Calhoun stands at 1.93%, which is slightly below the national 2.0% average. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.203 in/in nearly reaches the state average, ensuring plants have a steady drink. Growers can easily improve this ground by incorporating organic compost to boost soil life.
Hydrology of the River Peninsulas
The available water capacity of 0.203 in/in indicates that Calhoun's soil is effective at storing rainfall for later use. While detailed drainage classifications are missing, the soil score of 71.7 suggests the land is dependable for farming and gardening. Residents should watch for moisture retention in low-lying areas during wet springs.
Orchards and More in Zone 6b
Calhoun County is famous for its orchards, and the 6b hardiness zone is perfect for apples and peaches. The near-neutral pH of 6.48 means you can grow almost anything from berries to beans with great success. Start your garden today to take advantage of this uniquely balanced river soil.
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 Calhoun County have?
Calhoun 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 Calhoun County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Calhoun County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Calhoun County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Calhoun County.
What crops or plants grow well in Calhoun County's soil?
Based on Calhoun County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Calhoun County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Calhoun County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Calhoun 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.