Ford County Soil Data
Ford County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ford County, Illinois
Consistent Acidity Across the County
Ford County's soil pH of 6.38 mirrors the Illinois state average of 6.39. This slightly acidic profile is very close to the 6.5 national median, making it highly versatile for a diverse range of plantings.
High Clay for Nutrient Retention
The composition is defined by a significant 27.5% clay content and 56.0% silt. This heavy mix provides excellent nutrient retention but can be more challenging to work than sandier soils elsewhere in the state.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
At 4.60%, the organic matter here is exceptionally high, far exceeding the state average of 2.94% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.187 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.204.
Managing Dense, Rich Soil
Although detailed drainage records are unavailable, the high clay content suggests a tendency for slower water movement. Soil management should focus on aeration to maintain healthy root systems in this dense, nutrient-rich environment.
A Powerhouse for Organic Growth
Located in Zone 6a, this county is a powerhouse for high-nutrient crops like corn and heavy-feeding garden vegetables. The rich organic matter makes this a dream location for organic gardening enthusiasts.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Ford County have?
Ford County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 56% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ford 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 Ford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ford County's soil?
Based on Ford County's Silty Clay 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 Ford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ford 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.