Henderson County, Illinois

Survey Area IL071• Illinois

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Henderson 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
Muscatune silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	35K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	15K			Not rated	Not rated
Coloma sand, 1 to 7 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Seaton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Otter-Lawson silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fluvaquents, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Seaton-Hickory silt loams, 35 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wabash silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Osco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Seaton silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Joy silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Raddle silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Rozetta silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Coloma sand, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 18 to 35 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dickinson sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Sawmill silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Poorly drained	B/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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 62% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.