Soil Scientist Ron Collman from USDA joins us for a short series on Illinois soils. Here's part 1 - digging into the history of our soil.

Illinois has a rich glacial history that has shaped its landscape and fertile soils over millions of years. Early glaciers, including the Illinois Glacier, once covered most of the state, stopping at the Shawnee Hills due to exposed bedrock. As this glacier melted, it left behind glacial till and outwash, creating the foundation of the state’s soil profile.

Later, the Wisconsin Glacier advanced and retreated multiple times, covering the northeastern part of Illinois and reaching as far south as Coles County. This glacier also left behind moraines, outwash, and Peoria Loess—a layer of windblown dust that contributed to the fertility of Illinois’ soils. This video explores how the interplay of glaciers, rivers, and wind made Illinois one of the most agriculturally productive areas in the United States.

свернуть