Wayne County Soil Data
Wayne County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wayne County, Illinois
Acidic and Silt-Rich Wayne Soils
Wayne County soil has an average pH of 6.25, falling below the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.39. This slightly acidic environment is common in the region's southern soil types. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, this pH range is excellent for acid-loving shrubs and certain specialty crops.
Smooth Texture with High Silt
The soil contains 70.4% silt, 19.5% clay, and 10.1% sand. This high silt content creates a very smooth, fine-textured earth that holds moisture and nutrients well. Without much sand for drainage, the soil can become compacted, so gardeners should avoid walking on wet beds.
Steady Moisture in Leaner Soils
The organic matter content is 1.88%, which is below the Illinois average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity is 0.206 in/in, slightly exceeding the state benchmark of 0.204 in/in. These soils are reliable at storing water, though they benefit significantly from added organic fertilizers.
Monitoring Moisture in Dense Earth
Specific drainage and hydrologic groups are not provided for this county. However, the high silt and clay levels indicate that water moves through the soil slowly but is retained efficiently. This profile helps plants withstand dry spells, provided the surface doesn't become too compacted.
Long Growing Seasons in Zone 6b
As part of Zone 6b, Wayne County offers a generous window for gardening and farming. The soil is well-suited for traditional Midwestern crops, and its water retention is a major asset for summer gardening. Try planting heat-tolerant vegetables that can tap into the deep moisture reserves.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wayne County have?
Wayne County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 70% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wayne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wayne County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Wayne County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wayne County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wayne County's soil?
Based on Wayne County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Wayne County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wayne County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wayne County
Soil Verdict
Wayne County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Wayne County closely matches the Illinois average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wayne 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.