Peoria County Soil Data
Peoria County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Peoria County, Illinois
Nutrient-Rich Alkaline Profile
Peoria County soil has an average pH of 6.58, which is more alkaline than the state average and slightly above the national median. This pH level is excellent for the availability of phosphorus and other key nutrients necessary for plant growth.
A Highly Valued Silty Medium
The texture is comprised of 62.3% silt, 21.9% clay, and 14.9% sand. This silty profile provides a smooth, fertile medium that is highly valued for both large-scale farming and successful home gardening.
Above-Average Organic Fertility
The organic matter content is a robust 3.13%, outperforming the Illinois state average of 2.94%. While the water capacity of 0.202 in/in is just below the state average, the high organic content helps maintain a resilient soil structure.
High-Quality Ground for Development
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not available for Peoria County in this dataset. Given its strong soil score of 78.1, the land generally offers high-quality conditions for a wide range of gardening and land uses.
Prime Zone 6a Growing Conditions
As part of USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Peoria County is a prime location for everything from tomatoes to fruit trees. The above-average organic matter makes this some of the best soil in the region, so start planting today.
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
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Peoria County have?
Peoria County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 62% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Peoria County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Peoria 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 Peoria County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Peoria County.
What crops or plants grow well in Peoria County's soil?
Based on Peoria 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 Peoria County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Peoria County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Peoria County
Soil Verdict
Peoria 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
Peoria 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 Peoria 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.