Hamilton County Soil Data
Hamilton County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.1
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hamilton County, Illinois
Hamilton's Acidic Ground Profile
Hamilton County features an average soil pH of 6.07, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.39. While taxonomic data is currently unavailable, this lower pH suggests a need for lime applications to optimize nutrient availability. Growers must monitor acidity closely to maintain productivity in this southern Illinois landscape.
A Silt-Heavy Foundation
The soil contains a high concentration of silt at 68.4%, balanced by 20.4% clay and a modest 11.3% sand. This fine-textured mix offers excellent workability but can be prone to surface crusting if left bare. The low sand content means the soil holds onto moisture effectively rather than letting it wash away.
Evaluating Soil Energy Levels
Organic matter sits at 1.75%, trailing both the national 2.0% average and the Illinois state average of 2.94%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.212 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.204 in/in. This high water storage helps crops survive dry spells even when organic nutrients are lean.
Managing Water in Silt
Specific drainage classifications are not listed for this area, but the 63.3 soil score reflects moderate challenges compared to the state's 73.6 average. The high silt and clay content generally indicates slower natural drainage that requires careful management for building foundations. Farmers often use tiling or specialized tillage to prevent water from sitting too long.
Flourishing in Zone 6b
Hamilton County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a long growing season for corn, soybeans, and hardy vegetables. The soil's strong water capacity supports thirsty summer crops like tomatoes and peppers if acidity is managed. Your garden can thrive here with a simple soil test to guide your initial fertilizer and lime applications.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hamilton County have?
Hamilton County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 68% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hamilton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hamilton 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 Hamilton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hamilton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hamilton County's soil?
Based on Hamilton 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 Hamilton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hamilton County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.