Saline County Soil Data
Saline County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Saline County, Illinois
Southern Illinois Soils Lean Toward Acidic
Saline County features an average pH of 5.98, which is significantly more acidic than both the state average of 6.39 and the national median of 6.5. This lower pH suggests that gardeners may need to add lime to optimize nutrient uptake for most common crops. Although taxonomic order data is unavailable, the chemical profile points to a unique southern Illinois soil chemistry.
Heavy Silt Dominates the Landscape
At 65.8% silt, these soils have a very fine, flour-like texture that dominates the profile. Combined with 21.2% clay and only 13.0% sand, this mixture is prone to crusting when dry but holds nutrients well. The low sand content means drainage is primarily managed through the silt-clay matrix.
Efficient Water Storage Despite Lower Organic Matter
Organic matter levels average 1.82%, falling below the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity is a solid 0.204 in/in, matching the Illinois state average exactly. This means the soil is highly efficient at storing rainfall for plants to use during drier periods.
Managing Silt-Heavy Hydrology
Specific hydrologic groups are not listed, but the high silt and clay percentages often lead to slower surface infiltration. Without significant sand to provide macropores, the soil can stay wet longer after heavy southern Illinois rainfalls. Careful management is required to prevent compaction in these silty profiles.
Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7a
Saline County enjoys the warmth of USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season than most of Illinois. The soil is well-suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries or southern favorites like okra and peaches. With a little pH adjustment, your garden will thrive in this temperate climate.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 6.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Saline County have?
Saline County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 13% sand, 66% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Saline County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Saline County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Saline County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Saline County.
What crops or plants grow well in Saline County's soil?
Based on Saline County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Saline County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Saline County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Saline County
Soil Verdict
Saline County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Saline County is somewhat warmer than the Illinois statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Saline 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.