Brown County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Brown County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Keomah silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keomah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marseilles silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory-Marseilles silt loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rozetta silty clay loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fayette silty clay loam, glaciated, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clarksdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% 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 64% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.