Lee County Soil Data
Lee County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lee County, Illinois
Strong Soils in Lee County
Lee County earns a solid soil score of 79.2, outperforming the state average of 73.6. The pH level of 6.47 is almost perfectly neutral, sitting just a hair below the national median of 6.5.
Sandy and Silty Mix
With 30.1% sand, this soil is coarser than many surrounding counties, aiding in workability and aeration. Silt makes up 49.2%, ensuring the soil still retains enough nutrients to remain productive.
High Organic Productivity
The organic matter content is impressive at 4.08%, well above the Illinois average of 2.94%. While the water capacity of 0.195 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic content helps keep plants hydrated.
Efficient Water Management
Specific drainage classes are not recorded, but the high sand content likely provides better-than-average drainage for the region. This texture helps the soil warm up quickly in the spring, allowing for earlier planting.
Hardy Growing in Zone 5b
Lee County resides in Hardiness Zone 5b, supporting a wide variety of prairie plants and traditional garden crops. The high organic matter makes this an excellent location for starting a high-yield home vegetable patch.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lee County have?
Lee County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 49% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lee 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 Lee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lee County's soil?
Based on Lee County's 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 Lee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lee County
Soil Verdict
Lee County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Lee County is somewhat cooler than the Illinois statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lee 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.