Fayette County Soil Data
Fayette County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fayette County, Illinois
A Balanced pH Profile
Fayette County maintains a soil pH of 6.40, aligning almost perfectly with the Illinois state average of 6.39. This measurement sits just below the national median of 6.5, providing a balanced environment for native plants.
Silt-Rich Foundation for Local Farms
This soil features a heavy 67.9% silt concentration paired with 20.3% clay and 11.8% sand. The high silt content offers a silky feel and provides excellent nutrient-holding capacity for local farmers and gardeners.
Superior Moisture Storage Capacity
Organic matter stands at 2.46%, which outperforms the national average but remains lower than the 2.94% state average. The available water capacity of 0.216 in/in is significantly higher than the Illinois average of 0.204.
Moisture Retention in Heavy Soils
While specific drainage class data is limited for this county, the high available water capacity suggests strong moisture retention. The silt-heavy profile typically indicates moderate drainage that requires careful management during wet seasons.
Lush Summers in Zone 6b
Falling within Zone 6b, Fayette County is ideal for growing fruit trees and robust summer vegetables. The high water capacity ensures your garden stays hydrated even during dry Illinois spells.
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 Fayette County have?
Fayette County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 12% sand, 68% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fayette County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fayette 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 Fayette County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fayette County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fayette County's soil?
Based on Fayette 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 Fayette County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fayette County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Fayette County
Soil Verdict
Fayette 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
Fayette County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fayette 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.