Christian County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Christian County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 81K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herrick silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 75K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 56K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 42K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harrison silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oconee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawmill silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Radford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsburg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oconee silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buckhart silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oconee-Darmstadt-Coulterville silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bunkum-Atlas silt loams, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edinburg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% 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 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.