Lee County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is 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 Lee County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catlin silt loam, Illinois till plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Muscatune silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ambraw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clyde clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saybrook silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elpaso silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elburn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoctah loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyanet silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dunham 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 |
| Binghampton sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nachusa silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wyanet silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sparta loamy sand, Illinois till plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vanpetten loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% 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 86% 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.