Kane County, Illinois

Survey Area IL089• Illinois

The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Kane 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	54K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Elpaso silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Danabrook silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kidami loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dresden silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Mayville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Octagon silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Barony silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brenton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Octagon silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kidami silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Elburn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Varna silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ozaukee silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kidami loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Markham silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Flanagan 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.

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.

Entisols

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

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some 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.