Kankakee County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is 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 Kankakee County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andres silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reddick clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilford fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgeville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ade loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Granby fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beecher silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Symerton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oakville fine sand, prairie peninsula, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watseka loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pella silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selma loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darroch silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallmadge sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plattville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% 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 97% 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.