Cumberland County Soil Data
Cumberland County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cumberland County, Illinois
Neutral acidity for healthy plants
Cumberland County features an average pH of 6.41, nearly matching the national median of 6.5. This balanced level ensures that most essential minerals remain available for plant uptake throughout the season.
A balanced mix of silt and clay
The earth here consists of 59.2% silt and 20.7% clay. With 19.3% sand in the mix, the soil provides a stable environment for roots that balances water retention with necessary aeration.
Standard water capacity for the state
Available water capacity reaches 0.205 in/in, aligning almost perfectly with the Illinois state average. Organic matter levels at 2.09% meet the national average, though they trail the state benchmark of 2.94%.
Reliable moisture retention
While specific drainage and hydrologic data is unavailable, the 20.7% clay content suggests the land holds moisture well. This helps sustain crops and home gardens during the drier stretches of the Illinois summer.
Versatile planting in Zone 6b
The 6b hardiness zone offers a long window for gardening success. With a soil score of 72.4, Cumberland is ready for diverse plantings from sweet corn to perennial flowers.
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 Cumberland County have?
Cumberland County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 59% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cumberland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cumberland 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 Cumberland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cumberland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cumberland County's soil?
Based on Cumberland 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 Cumberland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cumberland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cumberland County
Soil Verdict
Cumberland County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Cumberland County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cumberland 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.