Lawrence County Soil Data
Lawrence County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Lawrence County, Illinois
Alfisols of the Southern Plains
Lawrence County is dominated by Alfisols, which are forest-derived soils with a slightly acidic pH of 6.25. This is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, reflecting a unique regional chemistry.
A Classic Silt Loam
The county features a silt loam texture composed of 54.4% silt and 26.1% sand. This relatively high sand content compared to northern neighbors improves drainage and makes the soil easier to work with garden tools.
Modest Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter stands at 1.81%, which is below both the state average of 2.94% and the national average of 2.0%. Gardeners may want to supplement the soil to improve its water capacity, which currently sits at 0.192 in/in.
Well Drained for Stability
The soil is classified as well drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. These characteristics mean water moves through the profile at a moderate rate, making it an excellent choice for building sites and orchards.
Longer Seasons in Zone 6b
Sitting in Hardiness Zone 6b, Lawrence County offers a longer growing season for heat-loving crops like peppers and melons. The well-drained silt loam is particularly well-suited for fruit trees and deep-rooted perennials.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
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 Lawrence County have?
Lawrence County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 54% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lawrence County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lawrence County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lawrence County?
Lawrence County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Lawrence County's soil?
Based on Lawrence County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.3, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Lawrence County?
Lawrence County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lawrence County
Soil Verdict
Lawrence 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
Lawrence County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lawrence 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.