Ogle County, Illinois
The most common soil here is Osco, on about 14% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Jasper and Drummer come next.
About 68% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 57% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 6% of it.
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 Ogle 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 Ogle 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jasper loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lawson silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenbush silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Osco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elburn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ogle silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Plano silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Assumption silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muscatune silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comfrey loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selma loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyanet silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plano silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Osco silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| La Hogue loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyanet silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
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 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 57% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.