Tazewell County, Illinois
The most common soil here is Ipava, on about 12% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Sable and Osco come next.
About 45% of the land drains well, and 42% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 42% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% 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 Tazewell 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 77% 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.