DeKalb County, Illinois

Survey Area IL037• Illinois

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 DeKalb 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
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

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 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.