Tazewell County Soil Data
Tazewell County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Tazewell County, Illinois
Optimized pH for Diverse Planting
Tazewell County maintains a stable soil pH of 6.44, very near the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity allows most garden plants to thrive without extensive chemical adjustments. It is slightly more alkaline than the Illinois state average of 6.39, offering a versatile base for agriculture.
Balanced Texture for Easy Workability
The soil mix consists of 51.3% silt, 24.9% sand, and 19.7% clay. This relatively high sand content for the region improves drainage and makes the ground easier to till than neighboring heavier soils. The result is a workable medium that balances water retention with vital aeration.
Elite Organic Matter Content
Tazewell boasts a remarkable 6.10% organic matter, more than doubling the Illinois state average of 2.94%. While the available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is almost exactly at the state average, the high organic content provides superior nutrient cycling. This soil represents some of the most naturally enriched land in the Midwest.
Reliable Hydrology for Home Gardens
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, but the 24.9% sand content suggests decent natural permeability. This composition prevents the heavy waterlogging often seen in purely clay soils. Local growers benefit from a soil structure that naturally resists extreme compaction.
Abundant Harvests in Zone 6a
The combination of Zone 6a temperatures and elite organic matter makes this an ideal spot for tomatoes, peppers, and corn. Your garden will thrive here with minimal supplemental fertilizer thanks to the deep natural nutrients. Get outside and start a vegetable patch to take advantage of this top-tier soil.
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 Tazewell County have?
Tazewell County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 51% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Tazewell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Tazewell County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Tazewell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Tazewell County.
What crops or plants grow well in Tazewell County's soil?
Based on Tazewell County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Tazewell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Tazewell County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.