Massac County Soil Data
Massac County, Illinois
Avg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Massac County, Illinois
Acidic Profiles of the Far South
Massac County features a more acidic average pH of 5.92, well below the national median of 6.5. This lower pH suggests that lime applications may be necessary for gardeners looking to grow traditional vegetable crops.
High Silt and Low Sand
The soil composition is 61.9% silt and 21.7% clay, with just 16.5% sand. This fine-grained profile can become very slick when wet and hard-packed when dry, requiring careful timing for tilling or digging.
Opportunities for Soil Improvement
Organic matter is lower than average at 1.78%, trailing the state average of 2.94%. With an available water capacity of 0.197 in/in, the soil is slightly less efficient at holding moisture than the typical Illinois acre.
Awaiting Specific Hydrologic Details
Official classifications for drainage and taxonomic orders are currently not provided in the central dataset. Given the 56.1 soil score, landowners should prioritize adding organic amendments to boost overall performance and structure.
Year-Round Potential in Zone 7a
Being in Zone 7a gives Massac County one of the longest growing seasons in the state. While the soil score is lower than average, the mild climate allows for early spring planting and late fall harvesting.
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 Massac County have?
Massac County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 16% sand, 62% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Massac County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Massac County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Massac County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Massac County.
What crops or plants grow well in Massac County's soil?
Based on Massac County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Massac County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Massac County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Massac 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.