Daviess County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Hosmer, on about 13% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Fairpoint and Cincinnati come next.
About 39% of the land drains well, and 40% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 62% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 80% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 18% 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 Daviess 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 Daviess 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint silt loam, reclaimed, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, frequently flooded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyles loam | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ayrshire fine sandy loam | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bartle silt loam | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iva silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragsdale silt loam | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, Wabash Lowland, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Princeton fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cincinnati silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bloomfield loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vigo silt loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peoga silt loam | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kings silty clay, rarely flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | D | 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 80% 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 94% 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.