Stephenson County, Illinois
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 Stephenson 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 | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Radford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | 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 |
| Lawson silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dodgeville silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hitt silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dubuque silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbine silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ogle silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Greenbush silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dorchester silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muscatune silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashdale silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plano silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ogle silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oneco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 48% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.