Saline County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Saline County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Banlic silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zipp silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston-Berks complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Racoon silt loam | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurst silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orthents, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colp silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Creal silt loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynoose silt loam, bench, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grantsburg silt loam, 4 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% 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 100% 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.