Decatur County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Decatur County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fincastle silt loam, New Castle Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cyclone silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cobbsfork silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Avonburg silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williamstown silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nabb silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orrville silt loam, frequently flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin loam, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, New Castle Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobdell silt loam, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami clay loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Tipton Till Plain, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% 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 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.