Greene County Soil Data
Greene County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Greene County, Illinois
A Near-Neutral Soil Profile
Greene County features a pH of 6.58, making it slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This measurement is significantly higher than the Illinois state average of 6.39.
Medium-Textured Silty Soil
The soil is composed of 64.1% silt and 21.3% clay, creating a medium-textured profile. The 14.6% sand content provides enough grit to prevent the soil from becoming overly sticky during rain.
Healthy Soil Health Benchmarks
Organic matter reaches 2.51%, which is healthy compared to the 2.0% national average but falls short of the 2.94% state average. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in is slightly better than the Illinois state average.
Resilient Moisture Storage
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the balanced silt-to-clay ratio generally supports reliable moisture management. The soil's capacity to hold water suggests it is resilient against short-term summer droughts.
Versatile Planting in Zone 6a
In Zone 6a, Greene County gardeners can expect success with everything from tomatoes to hearty winter squashes. The neutral pH makes this soil a ready-to-use environment for most common landscape plants.
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 Greene County have?
Greene County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 64% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Greene County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Greene 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 Greene County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Greene County.
What crops or plants grow well in Greene County's soil?
Based on Greene 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 Greene County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Greene County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Greene County
Soil Verdict
Greene 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
Greene County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Greene 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.