Montgomery County Soil Data
Montgomery County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Montgomery County, Illinois
Perfectly Average Illinois pH
Montgomery County features an average soil pH of 6.39, which perfectly aligns with the Illinois state average. This level is slightly more acidic than the national median, providing a familiar environment for standard regional agriculture.
Silt-Heavy Ground for Nutrient Retention
The soil composition is 68.6% silt and 21.7% clay, with a minimal sand component of 9.7%. This high silt ratio makes the soil feel floury when dry and promotes excellent nutrient retention for various plant types.
High-Capacity Moisture Reserves
With 2.31% organic matter, the soil is richer than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is a standout at 0.214 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.204 in/in, offering great drought resilience.
Mindful Management of Water
Data regarding the dominant drainage class and hydrologic group is currently unavailable. Because the water capacity is so high, gardeners should be mindful of potential moisture retention in low-lying spots after heavy rainfall.
Resilient Growing in Zone 6b
This county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, where the climate supports a wide array of fruits and vegetables. The exceptional water capacity means your garden will be more resilient during dry spells, making this a great time to dig in.
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 Montgomery County have?
Montgomery County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 69% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Montgomery County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Montgomery County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Montgomery County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Montgomery County.
What crops or plants grow well in Montgomery County's soil?
Based on Montgomery County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Montgomery County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Montgomery County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Montgomery 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.