Henderson County Soil Data
Henderson County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Henderson County, Illinois
Henderson's Near-Neutral Soil
Henderson County features a soil pH of 6.48, placing it almost perfectly in line with the national median of 6.5. This pH level is higher than the state average of 6.39, making it highly versatile for a wide range of plants. The chemical balance here supports efficient nutrient absorption without heavy modification.
A Silty Western Foundation
The county's soil composition is 65.0% silt, 21.2% clay, and 13.8% sand. This high silt content gives the soil a silky feel and provides a strong ability to hold onto vital minerals. It offers a stable medium for roots, though it requires management to prevent erosion on sloped land.
Above Average Water Storage
While the 2.41% organic matter is below the state average of 2.94%, it remains higher than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is 0.208 in/in, surpassing the state's average of 0.204 in/in. This soil is naturally equipped to sustain plants through the drier parts of the Illinois summer.
High-Quality Growing Ground
Henderson County earns a soil score of 77.3, outperforming the Illinois state average of 73.6. Although dominant drainage classes aren't specified, the high score indicates the soil is fundamentally productive and manageable for agriculture. It provides a reliable base for both farming and residential development.
Hardiness in Zone 6a
The 6a hardiness zone allows for robust harvests of corn, soybeans, and cool-season vegetables. The balanced pH makes it especially easy to grow legumes and leafy greens that struggle in more acidic soils. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard garden or an orchard.
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 Henderson County have?
Henderson 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 Henderson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Henderson County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Henderson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Henderson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Henderson County's soil?
Based on Henderson 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 Henderson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Henderson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Henderson County
Soil Verdict
Henderson 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
Henderson County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Henderson 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.