Douglas County Soil Data
Douglas County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Douglas County, Illinois
Ideal pH for diverse growth
Douglas County soil features a pH of 6.48, which perfectly matches the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity allows plants to easily access the rich nutrients stored in the ground.
Smooth soils high in silt
The ground consists of 64.4% silt and 23.1% clay, creating a smooth and cohesive texture. With sand at only 12.5%, the soil is highly effective at retaining minerals for crop production.
Rich in organic matter
Organic matter clocks in at 3.05%, surpassing the 2.94% state average. While the water capacity of 0.199 in/in is slightly below the state mean, the high organic content maintains excellent soil health.
Steady moisture with clay structure
While specific hydrologic data is limited, the high clay and silt percentages suggest a soil that holds water well. Careful bed preparation helps maintain proper drainage for sensitive garden plants.
High-performing Zone 6a gardens
Douglas County's 77.8 soil score indicates very high productivity for its Zone 6a climate. It is a prime location for growing everything from sweet peppers to hardy berry bushes.
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
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Douglas County have?
Douglas County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 13% sand, 64% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Douglas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Douglas 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 Douglas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Douglas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Douglas County's soil?
Based on Douglas 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 Douglas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Douglas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Douglas County
Soil Verdict
Douglas 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
Douglas County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Douglas 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.