DeKalb County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 DeKalb County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elpaso silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 65K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flanagan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 57K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Danabrook silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 56K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 43K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wingate silt loam, cool mesic, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otter silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elburn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parr silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parr silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harpster silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Danabrook silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lisbon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herbert silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaneville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Octagon silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kidami loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kaneville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% 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 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.