Morgan County Soil Data
Morgan County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Morgan County, Illinois
Optimal Mineral Availability in Morgan
Morgan County reports an average soil pH of 6.55, placing it just above both the national median and the state average. This balanced acidity level facilitates the availability of essential minerals for both field crops and garden plants.
Increased Aeration with Sandy Mix
The soil contains a higher sand content than many neighbors at 22.7%, combined with 56.9% silt and 20.5% clay. This mix allows for better aeration and easier root penetration compared to the heavier clay soils found elsewhere.
Managing Moderate Moisture Levels
Organic matter sits at 2.25%, which is healthy by national standards but lower than the Illinois average. The available water capacity of 0.192 in/in is also slightly below the state average, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation during summer.
Better Natural Drainage Expected
There is no specific data available for the drainage class or hydrologic group in this county. However, the higher sand percentage likely improves natural drainage and reduces the risk of root rot compared to denser regional soils.
Ideal for Root Vegetables
Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Morgan County is well-suited for traditional Midwestern gardening. The balanced pH and sandy texture make it a particularly rewarding place to grow root vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
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 Morgan County have?
Morgan County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 57% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Morgan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Morgan 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 Morgan County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Morgan County.
What crops or plants grow well in Morgan County's soil?
Based on Morgan 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 Morgan County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Morgan County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Morgan County
Soil Verdict
Morgan 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
Morgan County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Morgan 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.