Grundy County, Illinois

Survey Area IL063• Illinois

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Grundy 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
Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	27K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Reddick clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	25K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	22K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Elliott silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Selma loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Andres silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brenton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Darroch silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Chenoa silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Martinton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bryce silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ridgeville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ade loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Gilford fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Braidwood loam, 20 to 70 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bryce, shale substratum-Calamine silty clays, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Swygert silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shadeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very 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.

Mollisols

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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 95% 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.