Cass County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Cass County, Illinois. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Quiver silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsburg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worthen silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sylvan-Bold complex, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sylvan-Bold silt loams, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Seaton-Timula silt loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arenzville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Littleton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dockery silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallula-Bold silt loams, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamburg silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylvan-Bold Complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sawmill silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% 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 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.