Boone County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Boone County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flagg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pecatonica silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kendall silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parr silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Waupecan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pecatonica silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| St. Charles silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Odell silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elburn silt loam, cool, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dakota loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Selma loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comfrey loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virgil silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stronghurst silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selmass loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lisbon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atterberry silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| St. Charles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.