Livingston County, Illinois

Survey Area IL105• Illinois

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Livingston 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
Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	118K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bryce silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	80K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chenoa silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	34K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hartsburg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	30K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Reddick clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	29K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Swygert silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Swygert silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Andres silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	25K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arrowsmith silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	17K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rowe silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	17K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Elliott silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarence silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Elliott silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Selma loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Graymont silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Westland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Symerton loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Martinton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 96% 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.