Kendall County Soil Data
Kendall County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Kendall County, Illinois
The Premier Mollisols of Kendall
Kendall County is home to Mollisols, the world's most productive grassland soils, with a perfect average pH of 6.54. This score aligns almost exactly with the national median, providing an ideal chemical baseline for all types of plants.
Dense Silty Clay Loams
The dominant texture is silty clay loam, featuring 23.8% clay and 62.2% silt. This heavy composition creates a firm soil structure that excels at holding onto vital plant nutrients.
Superior Fertility and Water Retention
Organic matter is very high at 4.61%, easily besting the state average of 2.94%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.211 in/in, this soil is a powerhouse for sustained plant growth.
Managing Poorly Drained Ground
The soil is classified as poorly drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B/D, indicating that water often lingers near the surface. Effective tiling or raised beds are often necessary for farming and gardening to prevent root rot.
Abundant Harvests in Zone 5b
This Zone 5b region is legendary for its corn and soybean yields, but it is also a paradise for home vegetable gardens. Because the soil is so rich, heavy feeders like cabbage and broccoli will grow exceptionally well here.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kendall County have?
Kendall County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 12% sand, 62% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kendall County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kendall County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Kendall County?
Kendall County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Kendall County's soil?
Based on Kendall County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 6.5, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Kendall County?
Kendall County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kendall 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.