Tazewell County, Illinois

Survey Area IL179• Illinois

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Tazewell 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
Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	57K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	45K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	25K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Stronghurst silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Senachwine-Hennepin loams, 35 to 60 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Buckhart silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Birkbeck silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Ross silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Onarga sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Cresent loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Titus silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Senachwine-Hennepin loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tama silt loam, very deep to sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sawmill silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ambraw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Catlin silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Huntsville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Orthents, loamy, 2 to 20 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 61% 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 75% 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.