Ogle County Soil Data
Ogle County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ogle County, Illinois
Superior Soil Quality in Ogle
Ogle County boasts an average soil pH of 6.39, matching the Illinois state average. The county’s impressive soil score of 80.1 is one of the highest in the region, indicating superior agricultural potential and health.
Balanced Texture and Easy Workability
The soil is 56.4% silt and 19.5% clay, with a relatively high sand content of 22.9%. This combination offers a great balance of workability and drainage, making it less prone to heavy compaction than other Illinois soils.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
This county excels in fertility with 3.67% organic matter, far exceeding both the state average and the national average. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in ensures that these nutrient-rich soils also manage moisture effectively for plants.
Healthy Soil Structure
Information on the dominant drainage class and hydrologic group is not included in the current dataset. However, the higher sand percentage and exceptional organic matter typically suggest healthy natural drainage and resilient soil structure.
High-Yield Potential in Zone 5b
In USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Ogle County is perfect for cold-hardy crops and high-yield vegetable production. With such high organic matter, your soil is already ahead of the game, so start your gardening journey with confidence.
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 Ogle County have?
Ogle County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 56% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ogle County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ogle 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 Ogle County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ogle County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ogle County's soil?
Based on Ogle 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 Ogle County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ogle County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Ogle County
Soil Verdict
Ogle County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Ogle County is somewhat cooler than the Illinois statewide average. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ogle 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.