Clay County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Iva, on about 14% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ava and Hickory come next.
About 34% of the land drains well, and 44% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 57% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 88% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 26% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% of it.
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 Clay 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 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 Clay 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 88% 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 96% 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.