Douglas 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 Douglas County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drummer-Milford silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 84K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flanagan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 54K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elburn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawmill silty clay loam, undrained, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brenton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dana silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raub silt loam, non-densic substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sabina silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milford silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunbury silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Starks silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Senachwine silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, udic moisture class, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millbrook silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% 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 99% 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.