Jasper County Soil Data

Jasper County, Illinois

Avg 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

Silt Loam
Sand: 21.5%
Silt: 59.5%
Clay: 19.0%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.4pH
6.38419850609162
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently 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.

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.