Jersey County Soil Data
Jersey County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jersey County, Illinois
Balanced Soils Near the River
Jersey County features an average pH of 6.48, which sits perfectly near the national median of 6.5 and is higher than the Illinois average. This balanced acidity creates a versatile environment for a wide range of agricultural activities.
A Silty Mix with Moderate Clay
The soil is comprised of 69.1% silt and 23.3% clay, with a very low sand content of 7.6%. This high silt-to-clay ratio ensures excellent nutrient retention and a stable soil structure for planting.
Steady Growth and High Moisture Retention
With 2.14% organic matter, these soils outperform the national average but fall behind the high Illinois state average of 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.209 in/in provides a reliable reservoir for crops during the summer months.
Predicting Local Soil Movement
While specific drainage and hydrologic data are limited, the county's soil score of 75.6 is slightly above the state average. This indicates high-quality land that likely supports efficient water movement and stable foundations.
Versatile Planting in Zone 6b
The 6b hardiness zone and balanced pH make Jersey County ideal for growing orchard fruits like peaches and apples. Local gardeners should take advantage of the high water capacity to establish deep-rooted perennial vegetables.
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 Jersey County have?
Jersey County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 8% sand, 69% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jersey County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jersey 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 Jersey County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jersey County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jersey County's soil?
Based on Jersey 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 Jersey County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jersey County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jersey County
Soil Verdict
Jersey 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
Jersey County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jersey 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.