Jo Daviess County Soil Data
Jo Daviess County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jo Daviess County, Illinois
Representative Illinois Soil Profile
Jo Daviess County perfectly matches the state average pH of 6.39, placing it slightly below the national median of 6.5. This slightly acidic profile is typical for the region and supports a wide variety of native prairie and forest species.
Granular Silt and Moderate Sand
The composition includes 17.6% sand and 62.3% silt, creating a more porous mix than some southern neighbors. This 20.1% clay content helps maintain enough structure to prevent nutrients from washing away during heavy rains.
Strong Organic Matter in the North
The soil contains 2.38% organic matter, surpassing the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.210 in/in, this land is well-suited for high-yield gardening and sustainable farming.
Analyzing Upland Soil Quality
Though specific taxonomic and drainage data are missing, the county's soil score of 75.4 outperforms the state average. This suggests that the land generally manages water well and provides a solid base for various land uses.
Hardy Options for Zone 5a
As one of the cooler regions in the state, Zone 5a is perfect for cool-season crops like kale, peas, and potatoes. The balanced pH ensures that most garden favorites will thrive with minimal lime amendments.
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 Jo Daviess County have?
Jo Daviess County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 62% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jo Daviess County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jo Daviess 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 Jo Daviess County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jo Daviess County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jo Daviess County's soil?
Based on Jo Daviess 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 Jo Daviess County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jo Daviess County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jo Daviess 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.