Lawrence County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Lawrence County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carmi sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darwin silty clay, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabash silty clay, occasionally flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cisne silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Petrolia silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory-Ava complex, 7 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stoy silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynoose silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marissa silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starks silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iona silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carmi sandy loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hoyleton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.