Adams County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.