Union 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 Union County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menfro-Clarksville complex, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Haymond silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zanesville-Westmore silt loams, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville-Menfro complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston-Westmore silt loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Menfro silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Menfro-Goss complex, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elsah silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.