McDonough 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 McDonough County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 88K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 50K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Keomah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ipava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Muscatune silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keomah silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksdale silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenbush silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ipava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.