Hamilton County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Hamilton County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zipp silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, till plain, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grantsburg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wynoose silt loam, bench, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Piopolis silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Racoon silt loam | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grantsburg silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grantsburg silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hoyleton silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Banlic silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 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.