Hardin County Soil Data
Hardin County, Illinois
Avg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hardin County, Illinois
Acidic Profiles in Southern Illinois
Hardin County presents a notably acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.86. This is significantly lower than both the national median of 6.5 and the Illinois state average of 6.39. Gardeners here often need to add agricultural lime to neutralize the soil for common crops.
The Silt and Clay Mix
Hardin's soil consists of 64.8% silt and 20.9% clay, leaving only 14.3% for sand. This mixture produces a dense soil that can feel heavy and may compact easily under heavy machinery. While it retains moisture well, it lacks the easy drainage found in sandier regions.
Lean Organic Reserves
Organic matter in Hardin County is 1.66%, which is lower than the 2.0% national average and the 2.94% state average. The available water capacity is 0.202 in/in, which is nearly identical to the state average of 0.204 in/in. This means the soil is good at holding water, even if it requires more supplemental nutrients.
Challenging Soil Conditions
The overall soil score for Hardin County is 55.5, which is well below the state average of 73.6. While specific drainage class data is missing, the low score and high silt/clay levels suggest potential drainage and workability issues. Builders and farmers must plan carefully to manage water runoff and soil stability.
Success in Zone 7a
Hardin sits in the warm 7a hardiness zone, allowing for a longer season and milder winters. This climate is excellent for heat-loving crops like melons and okra that can handle the warm southern Illinois summers. With proper soil amendments to fix acidity, you can grow a vibrant and productive garden here.
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 Hardin County have?
Hardin County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 65% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hardin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hardin County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Hardin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hardin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hardin County's soil?
Based on Hardin County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Hardin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hardin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hardin 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.