De Kalb County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Blount, on about 29% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Pewamo and Glynwood come next.
About 10% of the land drains well, and 65% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 80% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 90% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% 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 De Kalb 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 D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 De Kalb 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blount loam, interlobate moraines, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 59K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo silty clay | 41K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 35K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rensselaer loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morley silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, drained | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rawson sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, interlobate moraines, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Strawn loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sebewa loam, disintegration moraine, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Landes fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallkill silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strawn clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Morley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eel loam, frequently flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bono silty clay | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 90% 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 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.