Menard County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Menard County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buckhart silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Broadwell silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lawndale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Plano silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arenzville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Middletown silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tice silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallula-Bold silt loams, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, stream terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylvan-Bold silt loams, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hickory-Sylvan complex, 18 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Princeton-Bloomfield fine sands, 1 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sylvan-Bold silt loams, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Broadwell silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarksdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylvan-Bold silt loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | 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 77% 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.