Woodford County Soil Data
Woodford County, Illinois
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Woodford County, Illinois
Woodford's Near-Perfect Neutral pH
Woodford County’s soil is nearly neutral with a pH of 6.54, exceeding the state average of 6.39. This level aligns almost perfectly with the national median of 6.5. Such a balanced pH level creates an ideal environment for most standard garden crops and flowers.
High Silt for Nutrient Storage
The profile consists of 57.8% silt and 23.0% clay, making for a dense, nutrient-retentive medium. Sand content is relatively low at 17.4%, which contributes to a cohesive soil that holds its shape. This composition is excellent for retaining the fertilizers and minerals plants need most.
Strong Organic Matter Content
Organic matter is strong at 4.22%, beating the Illinois state average of 2.94% by a wide margin. Even with a water capacity of 0.197 in/in—slightly below the state average—the soil remains highly productive. These factors earn the county a high soil score of 80.4.
Managing Dense Soil Structures
Local data does not specify the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this county. However, the high clay and silt percentages suggest that managing water runoff is a key priority for local land use. The soil's density provides a stable base for both crops and infrastructure.
Premier Planting in Zone 5b
Woodford sits in Zone 5b, where the neutral pH and high organic matter support a thriving agricultural scene. Whether you are planting a small backyard plot or a large field, this soil provides a world-class foundation. Get started today to see the difference this high-quality soil makes.
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 Woodford County have?
Woodford County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 58% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Woodford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Woodford 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 Woodford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Woodford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Woodford County's soil?
Based on Woodford 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 Woodford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Woodford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Woodford County
Soil Verdict
Woodford County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Woodford County is somewhat cooler than the Illinois statewide average. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Woodford 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.