Bureau 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 Bureau County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Muscatune silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckhart silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sawmill silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, overwash | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sable silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, overwash | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenbush silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waukegan silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ambraw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elburn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harpster silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selma loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Osco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Saybrook silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% 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 67% 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.