Hancock County Soil Data
Hancock County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hancock County, Illinois
Hancock's Perfectly Balanced pH
Hancock County boasts an average soil pH of 6.50, exactly matching the national median for ideal nutrient uptake. This puts it slightly above the Illinois state average of 6.39, creating an optimal environment for most row crops and gardens. This neutral chemistry is a primary factor in the county's impressive 80.0 soil score.
Smooth Textures for Better Growth
The soil profile is dominated by 64.1% silt and 22.1% clay, with a small 13.9% sand component. This silty composition creates a smooth, flour-like texture that retains nutrients better than sandy soils. It provides a stable base for root systems while resisting the rapid drying seen in coarser grounds.
Strong Water Storage Capacity
The county holds an organic matter level of 2.63%, which beats the national average but falls just short of the 2.94% state benchmark. However, its available water capacity of 0.211 in/in is superior to the state average of 0.204 in/in. This ensures that the soil acts like a sponge, keeping moisture available to plants during the peak of summer.
High Performance Agricultural Land
With a soil score of 80.0, Hancock's land outperforms the state average of 73.6 by a significant margin. While specific hydrologic groups are not provided, the high clay and silt mix suggests high retention and moderate drainage speeds. These characteristics make it premium real estate for both large-scale farming and home gardening.
Abundance in Zone 6a
The 6a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of perennial fruits and annual vegetables. The balanced pH and high water capacity are perfect for growing deep-rooted crops like berries and orchard trees. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of the highest-rated soil in the state.
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 Hancock County have?
Hancock County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 64% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hancock County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hancock County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Hancock County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hancock County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hancock County's soil?
Based on Hancock County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Hancock County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hancock 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.