Richland County Soil Data
Richland County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Richland County, Illinois
Slightly Acidic Southern Soils
Richland County features an average pH of 6.27, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.39 and the national median of 6.5. This slight acidity is typical for the region and benefits many berry varieties.
Smooth Silt for Easy Tilling
The soil is a mix of 64.8% silt, 21.0% clay, and 14.1% sand. This silty profile provides a smooth texture that is easy to cultivate, though it requires management to prevent the surface from sealing.
Excellent Water Storage for Resilience
Organic matter levels are 1.78%, trailing the state average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity of 0.206 in/in is higher than the state average, indicating the soil is excellent at storing water for crop use.
Monitoring Moisture in Silty Soil
While specific drainage data is not recorded, the silty texture usually implies moderate water movement. Gardeners should watch for damp conditions during wet springs, as the high water capacity can lead to saturated roots.
Versatile Gardening in Zone 6b
Located in hardiness zone 6b, Richland County offers a versatile climate for a wide array of vegetables and ornamentals. The high water storage capacity makes it an encouraging environment for a productive home garden.
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 Richland County have?
Richland 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 Richland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Richland County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Richland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Richland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Richland County's soil?
Based on Richland County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Richland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Richland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Richland 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.