Edwards County Soil Data
Edwards County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.1
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Edwards County, Illinois
Slightly acidic southern soils
At 6.13, the soil pH in Edwards is more acidic than the state average of 6.39 and the national median. Some gardeners may choose to add lime to neutralize the soil for specific vegetables.
High silt content for easy tilling
Silt dominates the landscape at 68.0%, the highest among its neighbors, paired with 20.6% clay. This silty texture makes the ground easy to till but requires protection to prevent surface erosion.
Impressive water storage capacity
The available water capacity of 0.211 in/in is higher than the Illinois average, keeping plants hydrated during dry spells. However, organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.86%.
Steady water movement through silt
Official drainage records are currently limited for this area. Based on the high silt and low sand percentages, expect water to move at a moderate pace through the soil profile.
Long growing season in Zone 6b
Edwards County offers a warm climate perfect for long-season crops like sweet potatoes. Even with a soil score of 65.6, the excellent water capacity makes this a resilient garden spot.
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 Edwards County have?
Edwards County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 68% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Edwards County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Edwards County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Edwards County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Edwards County.
What crops or plants grow well in Edwards County's soil?
Based on Edwards County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Edwards County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Edwards County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Edwards County
Soil Verdict
Edwards 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
Edwards County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Edwards 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.