De Witt 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 De Witt County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 75K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 44K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birkbeck silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckhart silt loam, till substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Senachwine silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lawson silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawmill silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsburg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keomah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dana silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Senachwine silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harpster silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elburn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birkbeck silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% 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 94% 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.