Fayette County, Illinois

Survey Area IL051• Illinois

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 Fayette 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
Bluford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	71K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cisne silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	51K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hickory silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	36K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hoyleton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	32K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	28K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hoyleton-Darmstadt silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Atlas silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Newberry silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hickory silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Beaucoup silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	12K	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
Petrolia silt loam, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Birds silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Parke silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Titus silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	7K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bluford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bluford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Parke silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% 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 91% 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.