Christian County, Illinois

Survey Area IL021• Illinois

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.