Coles County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Coles County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 72K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer-Milford silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raub silt loam, non-densic substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flanagan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, udic moisture class, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toronto silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wingate silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Senachwine silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dana silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Senachwine silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawson silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Senachwine silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Landes fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dana silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Senachwine silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Somonauk silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cisne silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% 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 97% 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.