Christian County, Illinois
The most common soil here is Virden, on about 17% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Herrick and Ipava come next.
About 14% of the land drains well, and 75% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 75% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 77% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Christian County, Illinois, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 77% 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.