Clay County, 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 Clay 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisne silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 43K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynoose silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cisne-Huey silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoyleton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Passport silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birds silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoyleton-Darmstadt silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atlas silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoyleton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newberry silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoyleton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat 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 96% 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 96% 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.