Clinton County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Fincastle, on about 17% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Cyclone and Miami come next.
About 6% of the land drains well, and 74% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 90% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% 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 Clinton 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 Clinton 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-Crosby silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 50K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami-Crosby silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cyclone silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Tipton Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sable-Drummer silty clay loams | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragsdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raub silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahalasville silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Treaty silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starks silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ceresco loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patton silty clay loam, Tipton Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Camden variant silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Miami clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milford silty clay loam | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dana silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitaker silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat 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 95% 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 98% 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.