Warren 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 Warren County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muscatune silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 70K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osco silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rozetta silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orion silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenbush silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Radford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawson silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ipava silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Assumption silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elco silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elco-Atlas silty clay loams, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, cool mesic, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% 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 55% 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.