Adams County, Indiana

Survey Area IN001• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Adams County, Indiana. 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
Pewamo silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	75K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Blount silt loam, ground moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes	44K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Blount silt loam, ground moraine, 2 to 4 percent slopes	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Blount silt loam, end moraine, 2 to 4 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Blount silt loam, end moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Glynwood silt loam, ground moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nappanee silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Glynwood silt loam, end moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tice silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
St. Clair clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Saranac silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Saranac silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Haskins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Houghton muck, drained	1K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shoals silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	1K			Not rated	Not rated
Rawson loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	1K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Whitaker silt loam	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sloan silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	1K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.