Carroll County Soil Data
Carroll County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Carroll County, Illinois
The State Benchmark for Soil Health
Carroll County soil is the quintessential Illinois earth, with a pH of 6.39 that exactly matches the state average. Its soil score of 77.6 outperforms the state average of 73.6, highlighting its superior quality. This is a highly productive environment with a chemical profile that is very easy for growers to manage.
Balanced Texture for Northern Farming
The soil consists of 60.9% silt and 20.2% clay, supported by a healthy 18.3% sand content. This sand percentage is higher than in central Illinois, which improves drainage and helps the soil warm up faster in the spring. It is a versatile mix that is easy to work and maintains good structure.
Strong Organic Matter and Water Storage
With 2.71% organic matter, Carroll County is very close to the state's high average of 2.94% and well above the national 2.0% mark. The available water capacity of 0.209 in/in is higher than the state average, providing an extra buffer against drought. This soil is naturally fertile and stores moisture exceptionally well.
A Resilient Water Management System
Carroll County's soil score of 77.6 and AWC of 0.209 point to a landscape that handles water efficiently. The 18.3% sand content likely contributes to better-than-average drainage for the region. This makes the land resilient, allowing farmers to get back into their fields sooner after a heavy rain.
Cool Weather Success in Zone 5a
As a zone 5a region, Carroll County is great for cold-hardy crops like garlic, kale, and root vegetables. The robust organic matter (2.71%) provides the energy these plants need to grow quickly during the summer peak. This is prime land for anyone looking to establish a highly productive home garden.
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 Carroll County have?
Carroll County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 61% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Carroll County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carroll 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 Carroll County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Carroll County.
What crops or plants grow well in Carroll County's soil?
Based on Carroll 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 Carroll County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Carroll 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.