Shelby County, Illinois
The most common soil here is Drummer, on about 11% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Bluford and Flanagan come next.
About 18% of the land drains well, and 68% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 55% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 82% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% 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 Shelby 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Shelby 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 82% 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 96% 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.