White County Soil Data
White County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in White County, Illinois
White County's Slightly Acidic Foundation
The soil here maintains an average pH of 6.22, resting just below the Illinois state average of 6.39. This level is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though taxonomic data for the county remains unspecified. This baseline supports a variety of local agriculture with minimal chemical correction.
A Silt-Dominant Soil Profile
Silt makes up a significant 61.1% of the soil, while sand and clay each contribute roughly 19%. This silt-heavy mix creates a smooth texture that facilitates decent workability for farmers and gardeners. However, such high silt levels require careful management to prevent surface crusting.
Steady Moisture and Reliable Fertility
Organic matter reaches 2.51%, exceeding the national average of 2.0% but trailing the Illinois average of 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in matches the state benchmark perfectly. These factors contribute to a respectable overall soil score of 70.5.
Managing Water in Silt Soils
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unlisted for this area's dominant soil types. Despite the lack of specific classification data, the high silt content typically suggests moderate permeability and average drainage speeds. Proper irrigation management ensures these fields remain productive year-round.
Gardening Success in Zone 7a
White County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a longer growing season than much of the state. This climate and soil combination is perfect for heat-tolerant vegetables and southern-leaning perennials. Start your garden today to take advantage of this reliable moisture capacity.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does White County have?
White County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 61% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is White County's soil acidic or alkaline?
White 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 White County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for White County.
What crops or plants grow well in White County's soil?
Based on White 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 White County?
The dominant USDA soil order for White County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: White County
Soil Verdict
White 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
White County is somewhat warmer than the Illinois statewide average. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for White 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.