McLean 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 McLean County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 106K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 81K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer and Elpaso silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 69K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 49K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saybrook silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 42K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenoa silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Flanagan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyanet silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sawmill silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Varna silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lisbon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raub silt loam, non-densic substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Radford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawson silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graymont silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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 92% 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.