Brown County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Brown County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berks-Trevlac-Wellston complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 97K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston-Berks-Trevlac complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston-Gilpin silt loams, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beanblossom channery silt loam, occasionally flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, Wabash Lowland, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stonehead-Trevlac silt loams, 10 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Stonehead silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilsit silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pekin silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steff silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nabb silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pekin silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilwood-Brownstown silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chetwynd loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnell silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 965 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 98% 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.