Adams County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Adams County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timewell and Ipava soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Keomah silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bunkum silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaucoup silty clay loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Keswick loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blake-Slacwater silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Timewell and Ipava soils, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keomah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bunkum silty clay loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksdale silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keswick loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Titus silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downsouth silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Keswick clay loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.