Permeability is moderate in the loess, moderately slow in the pedisediment, and moderately slow or slow in the till that contains a strongly developed paleosol. Seepy spots on side slopes are common as the result of perched water above the paleosol. Most areas are cropped. Corn, soybeans, small grain, and meadow are the principal crops. Other areas are in pastureland, woodland, or idle land.
Native vegetation is upland hardwood forest.
Extent is moderate. Shelby County, Illinois, 1932. Elco soils have been correlated only as moderately well drained and have been used only in Illinois. At one time, the definition allowed for well-drained pedons also, but we now believe that they do not occur because of the influence of the paleosol on water movement in the solum. The 3Btg or 3Bt horizon of Elco soils is the lower part of the solum superimposed upon a Sangamon paleosol in the Illinoian till.