La Salle County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 La Salle County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muscatune-Buckhart silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 57K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 55K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 52K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flanagan-Catlin silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muscatune silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutland silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elpaso silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Streator silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elburn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bryce silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Swygert silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackberry silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Flanagan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harpster silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Catlin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plano silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 95% 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.