Ford County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Ford County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 47K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bryce silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 46K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pella clay loam, Glacial Lake Watseka, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swygert silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rowe silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swygert silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brenton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutland silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarence silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarence silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dana silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martinton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raub silt loam, non-densic substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawmill silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Proctor silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chatsworth silty clay, 4 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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. 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.