Monroe County Soil Data
Monroe County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Monroe County, Illinois
Neutral pH Levels in Monroe
Monroe County soil shows a pH of 6.49, nearly matching the national median of 6.5 and exceeding the state average of 6.39. This near-neutral acidity supports a broad range of biological activity and nutrient availability in the root zone.
Dense Mix with Low Sand
The soil is dominated by silt at 66.3%, with a notable clay content of 23.7% and a very low sand percentage of 10.0%. This mix creates a dense, moisture-retentive environment that holds onto fertilizers effectively but may drain slowly after heavy storms.
Superior Water Storage Potential
The organic matter content stands at 2.03%, hovering just above the national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.208 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a significant reservoir for plants during dry spells.
Managing High Moisture Retention
Formal drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not specified in the current dataset. Given the high silt and clay levels, residents should check for standing water to ensure their garden beds do not stay overly saturated.
A Long Growing Season Awaits
Enjoying the warmth of USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Monroe County offers a longer growing season than much of the state. These conditions are perfect for heat-loving crops like melons and peppers, so grab your tools and start planting.
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 Monroe County have?
Monroe County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 66% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Monroe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Monroe County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Monroe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Monroe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Monroe County's soil?
Based on Monroe County's Silt 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 Monroe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Monroe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Monroe County
Soil Verdict
Monroe County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Monroe County is somewhat warmer than the Illinois statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Monroe 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.