Shelby County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Shelby County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 53K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flanagan silt loam | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oconee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dana silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoyleton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fishhook silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atlas silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raub silt loam, non-densic substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oconee-Darmstadt silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cisne silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herrick silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holton silt loam, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.