Macon County Soil Data
Macon County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Macon County, Illinois
Alkaline-Leaning Central Soils
Macon County has a pH of 6.60, the highest in this region and slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemistry contributes to a solid soil score of 75.8, beating the state average.
Fine-Textured Silt and Clay
The soil is comprised of 64.1% silt and 24.7% clay, with very little sand at 11.2%. This creates a fine-textured environment that is highly efficient at trapping nutrients but can be prone to surface crusting.
Strong Organic Foundation
Macon County's organic matter is 3.17%, which sits comfortably above the state average of 2.94%. The available water capacity is 0.198 in/in, providing a stable supply of moisture for diverse plant life.
Naturally Retentive Hydrology
While specific drainage data is limited, the high silt and clay levels point to soil that holds onto water tightly. This retention is a major asset during the hot Illinois summers, keeping plant roots hydrated longer.
Plentiful Planting in Zone 6a
Macon County sits in Zone 6a, a versatile hardiness zone that supports everything from sunflowers to tomatoes. The neutral-to-alkaline pH is particularly beneficial for many common garden vegetables and lawn grasses.
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 Macon County have?
Macon County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 64% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Macon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Macon County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Macon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Macon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Macon County's soil?
Based on Macon County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Macon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Macon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Macon 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.