Mason County Soil Data
Mason County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mason County, Illinois
The Near-Perfect pH Anchor
Mason County boasts an average pH of 6.54, sitting almost exactly at the national median of 6.5. This neutral chemical balance is a primary driver behind the county's exceptional soil health and productivity.
Higher Sand Content for Drainage
With 29.7% sand, this soil is much grittier than neighboring counties, which usually improves drainage and aeration. This is balanced by 47.8% silt and 19.0% clay, creating a unique mix that warms up quickly in the spring.
Elite Organic Matter Levels
The organic matter content is a staggering 5.88%, nearly double the Illinois state average of 2.94%. This incredible richness leads to a soil score of 83.8, identifying Mason as a premier agricultural hub.
Exceptional Internal Soil Flow
Detailed hydrologic and taxonomic data is currently limited for this county. However, the high sand percentage and top-tier soil score suggest very efficient drainage that prevents most waterlogging issues for builders and farmers.
Bumper Crops in Zone 6a
Mason County's Zone 6a climate is perfectly suited for the county's nutrient-dense soils. Whether you are growing professional-grade corn or a residential vegetable patch, the earth here is ready to perform.
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 Mason County have?
Mason County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 48% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mason County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mason 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 Mason County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Mason County.
What crops or plants grow well in Mason County's soil?
Based on Mason 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 Mason County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mason County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mason 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.