Jackson County Soil Data
Jackson County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jackson County, Illinois
Jackson's Southern Soil Profile
Jackson County has an average soil pH of 6.28, which is slightly lower than the state average of 6.39. This mild acidity is typical for the region but still supports most agricultural activities without intensive treatment. It provides a consistent chemical baseline for the diverse landscapes of southern Illinois.
Dominant Silt Concentrations
The soil is comprised of 67.2% silt and 22.7% clay, with just 10.0% sand. This composition is very fine-textured, meaning the soil feels smooth and holds its shape when wet. This lack of sand means the soil can be slow to drain and very sticky during the rainy season.
Steady Moisture, Lean Organic Content
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.83%, falling below both the state and national averages. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is nearly equal to the state average of 0.204 in/in. The soil is excellent at storing what water it receives, even if the nutrient reserves need a boost.
Navigating the Clay-Silt Mix
With a soil score of 65.8, Jackson County ranks slightly below the state average of 73.6. The heavy silt and clay presence suggests that natural drainage can be slow, requiring managed runoff for construction or farming. This ground is best suited for plants that can tolerate moist conditions for short periods.
Long Seasons in Zone 7a
As one of the warmest parts of Illinois in zone 7a, Jackson County enjoys a very long growing season. This is prime territory for specialty crops like peaches or long-season peppers that need the extra warmth. Focus on adding compost to improve the organic matter, and you will see excellent results.
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 Jackson County have?
Jackson County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 67% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jackson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jackson County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Jackson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jackson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jackson County's soil?
Based on Jackson County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Jackson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jackson 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.