Calhoun 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 Calhoun County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stookey silt, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Stookey silt, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaucoup silty clay loam, undrained, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stookey silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stookey silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Haymond silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goss gravelly silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tice silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaucoup silty clay loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stookey silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Booker clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tice silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raddle silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elizabeth very channery silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 63% 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.