Carroll County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Fincastle, on about 14% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Cyclone and Starks come next.
About 29% of the land drains well, and 60% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 62% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 78% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Carroll County, Indiana, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Carroll 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fincastle-Starks silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cyclone silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockfield-Williamstown complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kendall-Fincastle silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynetown-Sleeth silt loams, till substrata, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle-Starks silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ockley-Rush silt loams, till substrata, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mahalasville silty clay loam, till substratum | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starks silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Camden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ockley silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Martinsville, till substratum-Miami clay loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rockfield silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patton silty clay loam, loamy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ockley loam, till substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ockley silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Moundhaven-Landes variant complex, frequently flooded | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% 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 91% 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.