Stephenson County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.