Monroe County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Monroe County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunkum silty clay loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Homen silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fults silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bunkum silty clay loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marine silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, karst, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ambraw silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, karst, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Landes very fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stookey silt loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shaffton clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hickory silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Booker clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, long duration | 6K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, karst, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Homen silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Atlas silty clay loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sonsac flaggy silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% 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 88% 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.