Jo Daviess County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Jo Daviess County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayette silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lacrescent cobbly silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Newglarus-Lamoille silt loams, silurian landscape, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunbarton-Dubuque silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Greenbush silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dunbarton-Dubuque silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newglarus-Palsgrove silt loams, silurian landscape, 10 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eleroy silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Beavercreek silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palsgrove silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lacrescent cobbly silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenbush silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Palsgrove silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dubuque silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.