Jackson County, Illinois

Survey Area IL077• Illinois

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Jackson 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
Menfro-Wellston silt loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Homen silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Water	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Darwin silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Homen silty clay loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hurst silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Hickory-Menfro silt loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro-Wellston silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Jacob silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hickory-Homen silty clay loams, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Menfro silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Hosmer silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Neotoma-Wellston complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Okaw silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Okaw silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Poorly drained	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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

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 74% 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.