Effingham County, Illinois
The most common soil here is Cisne, on about 23% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Bluford and Hoyleton come next.
About 14% of the land drains well, and 76% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 68% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Effingham County, Illinois, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Effingham 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisne silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 80K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newberry silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoyleton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holton silt loam | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atlas silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoyleton-Darmstadt silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynoose silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hoyleton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ebbert silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wirt loam | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grantfork silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atlas silty clay loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 1K | Not rated | Not rated |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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 96% 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.