Jasper County Soil Data
Jasper County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jasper County, Illinois
Jasper County's State-Standard Soil
Jasper County soil has a pH of 6.38, almost exactly matching the Illinois state average of 6.39. This makes it slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, but still within a very productive range for Midwest farming. It represents a stable and familiar chemical profile for local growers.
Balanced Silt and Sand
The soil mix contains 59.5% silt, 21.5% sand, and 19.0% clay. The presence of over 20% sand is helpful for drainage and makes the soil easier to work with hand tools or machinery. This balance prevents the soil from becoming as heavy and unworkable as more clay-heavy neighbors.
Moisture Management Challenges
The organic matter level is 1.92%, which is lower than the state's 2.94% average. Additionally, the available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is below the state average of 0.204 in/in. Growers may need to focus on soil-building practices like cover cropping to improve both nutrient levels and water retention.
Consistent Growing Conditions
Jasper County earns a soil score of 64.3, indicating it is reliable land even if it sits below the state average of 73.6. The sand content aids in drainage, which is a benefit for those building on this land or planting in early spring. It provides a solid, predictable foundation for most rural land uses.
Thriving in Zone 6b
In hardiness zone 6b, Jasper County is well-suited for a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables. The soil's texture is great for root crops like carrots and potatoes that prefer a bit of sand to grow straight and clean. It is an inviting environment for anyone looking to start a diverse home garden.
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 Jasper County have?
Jasper County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 59% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jasper County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jasper County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Jasper County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jasper County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jasper County's soil?
Based on Jasper County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Jasper County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jasper County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jasper County
Soil Verdict
Jasper County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Jasper County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jasper 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.