Piatt County Soil Data
Piatt County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Piatt County, Illinois
Perfectly Balanced pH for Plant Health
Piatt County boasts a healthy average pH of 6.55, which is higher than the state average of 6.39 and the national median of 6.5. This near-neutrality creates an optimal environment for nutrient uptake across the landscape.
Fine Texture for Maximum Retention
The soil consists of 64.7% silt and 24.8% clay, with sand making up just 10.5% of the mix. This fine-textured composition ensures high nutrient storage and excellent workability for local producers.
Rich Organic Matter Beats State Averages
With an organic matter content of 3.01%, Piatt County exceeds both the state average of 2.94% and the national 2.0% mark. Though the available water capacity of 0.192 in/in is slightly below the state average, the rich biology supports vigorous growth.
Consistent Moisture for Heavy Crops
While specific drainage class data is limited for this region, the high silt and clay content indicates a soil that holds water tightly. Local growers focus on maintaining soil structure to ensure consistent irrigation and root health.
Hardiness Zone 6a Staples
Resting in hardiness zone 6a, this region is perfect for staple crops like corn, soybeans, and hearty perennials. The exceptional organic matter levels provide a natural boost for any backyard vegetable plot.
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 Piatt County have?
Piatt County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 65% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Piatt County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Piatt 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 Piatt County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Piatt County.
What crops or plants grow well in Piatt County's soil?
Based on Piatt 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 Piatt County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Piatt County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Piatt County
Soil Verdict
Piatt 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
Piatt County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Piatt 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.