Whiteside 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 Whiteside County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dickinson sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marshan loam, sandy subsratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Richwood silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Greenbush silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seaton-Timula silt loams, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Seaton silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Seaton-Timula silt loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Osco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zumbro sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elburn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ambraw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prophetstown silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Port Byron silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lawler loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, glaciated, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Seaton silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orion silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ambraw clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 63% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.