Vermilion County Soil Data
Vermilion County, Illinois
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Vermilion County, Illinois
Neutral and Productive Eastern Soils
Vermilion County soil averages a pH of 6.52, almost exactly matching the national median of 6.5. This neutral profile is slightly higher than the Illinois state average of 6.39, creating an ideal environment for nutrient uptake. It provides a stable chemical foundation for both commercial corn and backyard gardens.
Silty Clay with Grit
The composition features 56.8% silt, 23.7% clay, and 19.5% sand. This mix provides a good balance of moisture retention from the clay and aeration from the sand. It is robust enough to hold nutrients but remains more workable than soils with higher clay concentrations.
Consistent Organic Matter Levels
At 2.99%, the organic matter content is slightly above the Illinois state average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity of 0.190 in/in is a bit lower than the state average of 0.204 in/in. While the soil is naturally rich in nutrients, it may dry out faster than other Illinois soils during peak summer heat.
Managing Drainage for Peak Performance
While specific hydrologic groups are not recorded, the soil’s 19.5% sand content helps facilitate internal drainage. The moderate clay content ensures the soil doesn't lose all its moisture instantly. Proper mulching can help overcome the slightly lower-than-average water storage capacity.
Versatile Growing in Zone 6a
Vermilion County sits in Zone 6a, supporting a diverse range of crops from soybeans to snap peas. The neutral pH means you can grow most vegetables without adding lime or sulfur. It is a fantastic place to establish a home vegetable garden that produces all season long.
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 Vermilion County have?
Vermilion County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 57% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Vermilion County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Vermilion County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Vermilion County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Vermilion County.
What crops or plants grow well in Vermilion County's soil?
Based on Vermilion 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 Vermilion County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Vermilion County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Vermilion 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.