Pope County Soil Data
Pope County, Illinois
Avg pH
5.8
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pope County, Illinois
Acidic Profiles in Pope County
Pope County has a notably acidic average pH of 5.83, which is significantly lower than the state average of 6.39 and the national median of 6.5. This distinct chemical profile often requires amendments like lime to support traditional garden vegetables.
Silt-Heavy Soils and Erosion Risk
Silt dominates the landscape at 65.0%, with clay making up 20.5% and sand accounting for 14.4%. This silty makeup makes the soil easy to till but leaves it susceptible to erosion if not protected by cover crops or mulch.
State-Level Water Capacity
At 1.68%, the organic matter content is below the state average of 2.94% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.202 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, ensuring the ground holds moisture effectively.
Planning for Slow Water Movement
Regional drainage data is sparse, but the high silt concentration suggests a soil that absorbs water well but may drain slowly. Local landowners often focus on building up organic matter to improve the soil's natural structure.
Early Starts in Zone 7a
In hardiness zone 7a, Pope County enjoys a warm climate that supports specialty crops and early spring planting. You can take advantage of the long season by choosing acid-loving plants like blueberries or hydrangeas.
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 Pope County have?
Pope County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 65% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pope County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pope County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Pope County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pope County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pope County's soil?
Based on Pope County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Pope County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pope County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pope 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.