Putnam County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Putnam County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muscatune silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Moundprairie silty clay loam, undrained, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wea silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Moundprairie silty clay loam, undrained, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flanagan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birkbeck silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Landes fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawmill silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Catlin silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Senachwine silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birkbeck silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Huntsville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% 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 68% 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.