Massac County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Massac County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ginat silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armiesburg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharon silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cape silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stoy silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Racoon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon-Saffell complex, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatfield silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Brandon-Saffell complex, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sciotoville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hatfield silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.