Randolph County Soil Data
Randolph County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Randolph County, Illinois
The National Median Standard
Randolph County soil has an average pH of 6.50, matching the national median perfectly. This balanced level ensures that essential nutrients remain chemically available to most garden plants and commercial crops.
Clay-Rich Silt Composition
The composition is 63.9% silt and 24.4% clay, with a minor 11.7% sand component. This heavy silt and clay presence means the soil has a high capacity for nutrient retention but may be prone to heavy compaction.
Steady Moisture for Consistent Growth
At 1.82%, the organic matter content is below the state average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity is 0.202 in/in, which is essentially on par with the Illinois state average of 0.204 in/in.
High Retention and Slow Runoff
Specific drainage records are limited, but the high clay and silt content suggests the soil holds water tightly. Landowners should consider adding compost to improve structure and prevent drainage issues in low-lying garden beds.
Bountiful Harvests in Zone 7a
The county's 7a hardiness zone supports a long growing season with relatively mild winters. This climate, combined with stable water capacity, makes it a prime location for growing everything from tomatoes to fruit trees.
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 Randolph County have?
Randolph County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 12% sand, 64% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Randolph County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Randolph County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Randolph County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Randolph County.
What crops or plants grow well in Randolph County's soil?
Based on Randolph 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 Randolph County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Randolph County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Randolph 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.