Morgan County, Illinois
The most common soil here is Ipava, on about 19% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Rozetta and Osco come next.
About 47% of the land drains well, and 47% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 47% of it.
USDA rates 64% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 62% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Morgan County, Illinois, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Morgan County, Illinois. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 78K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawson silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Virden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muscatune silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keomah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkhart silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rozetta silty clay loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clarksdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elco silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylvan silty clay loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Osco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hartsburg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% 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 64% 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.