Kankakee County Soil Data
Kankakee County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Kankakee County, Illinois
The Sandy Soils of Kankakee
Kankakee County maintains an average pH of 6.39, which matches the state average exactly. Despite the balanced pH, its soil score of 76.9 indicates higher-than-average quality for the state of Illinois.
High Sand Content and Permeability
With 30.9% sand, this soil is much more coarse than most Illinois counties, which typically feature higher silt. The 45.6% silt and 20.5% clay help provide enough structure to prevent the soil from becoming purely sandy.
Rich Organic Matter, Lower Storage
The soil is remarkably rich with 5.20% organic matter, well above the 2.94% state average. However, its available water capacity of 0.189 in/in is lower than the state benchmark, meaning it can dry out quickly despite its fertility.
Managing Rapid Water Movement
Specific drainage classifications are unavailable, but the high sand content suggests rapid infiltration rates. Landowners should be aware that while the soil is fertile, nutrients may leach more quickly than in heavier clay soils.
Excellent for Root Crops in 5b
Zone 5b gardeners in Kankakee will find the sandy texture perfect for growing straight, healthy carrots and parsnips. Frequent watering or mulching is recommended to compensate for the soil's lower water-holding capacity.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kankakee County have?
Kankakee County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 46% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kankakee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kankakee 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 Kankakee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kankakee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kankakee County's soil?
Based on Kankakee County's 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 Kankakee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kankakee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kankakee 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.