De Kalb County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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.