Clay County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Clay County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iva silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint shaly silty clay loam, 33 to 90 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muren silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, frequently flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint shaly silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, very brief duration | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, Wabash Lowland, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vigo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory loam, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoosierville silt loam | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evansville silt loam, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pike silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chagrin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zipp silty clay, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chagrin-Stonelick complex, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | 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 95% 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.