Mason County Soil Data
Mason County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mason County
Soil Verdict
Mason County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Mason County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
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.