McLean County Soil Data
McLean County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McLean County, Illinois
The Heart of the Corn Belt
McLean County soil maintains a pH of 6.56, standing slightly above both the state and national averages. This near-perfect balance creates a chemically ideal environment for maximizing crop yields.
Silty and Clay-Rich Earth
The soil is comprised of 63.6% silt and 23.9% clay, creating a heavy but nutrient-dense medium. The low 12.4% sand content means the soil is excellent at holding its shape and supporting large plant root systems.
Top-Tier Organic Matter
Organic matter is strong at 3.02%, exceeding the state average of 2.94%. While the water capacity of 0.196 in/in is slightly below the state mean, the high organic content ensures the soil remains fertile and resilient.
Sturdy Land for Building and Farming
Classification data for drainage and taxonomy is currently not available for the dominant soil types. However, a soil score of 75.4 suggests a high-quality landscape that is well-suited for heavy agricultural use.
Planting Pride in Zone 6a
McLean County's Zone 6a climate and rich prairie heritage make it a gardener's dream. From prize-winning pumpkins to high-yield corn, this soil is built to produce year after year.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does McLean County have?
McLean County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 12% sand, 64% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McLean County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McLean 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 McLean County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McLean County.
What crops or plants grow well in McLean County's soil?
Based on McLean 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 McLean County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McLean County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McLean County
Soil Verdict
McLean 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
McLean County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McLean 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.