De Witt County Soil Data
De Witt County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in De Witt County, Illinois
Optimal pH for Illinois crops
De Witt's average pH of 6.61 is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 6.39. This figure lands just above the national median, creating an excellent environment for nutrient-hungry vegetables.
Fine-textured silty soils
Silt dominates the composition at 67.5%, while sand makes up only 8.6%. The 23.9% clay content gives this soil a fine texture that holds nutrients tightly and resists rapid drying.
Strong organic matter matching state levels
Organic matter reaches 2.93%, virtually identical to the Illinois state average. The soil stores 0.202 inches of water per inch of soil, ensuring consistent hydration for field crops and gardens alike.
Heavy soils with slow runoff
Specific drainage records are limited, but the high silt and clay percentages indicate a soil that stays moist. Plan for managed drainage in low-lying areas to prevent waterlogging after heavy storms.
Productive harvests in Zone 6a
Hardiness zone 6a is perfect for regional staples like pumpkins and tomatoes. A soil score of 76.0 shows that De Witt land is more productive than the average Illinois county.
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 De Witt County have?
De Witt County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 9% sand, 68% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is De Witt County's soil acidic or alkaline?
De Witt County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for De Witt County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for De Witt County.
What crops or plants grow well in De Witt County's soil?
Based on De Witt County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 De Witt County?
The dominant USDA soil order for De Witt County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: De Witt County
Soil Verdict
De Witt 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
De Witt County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for De Witt 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.