Dubois County, Indiana

Survey Area IN037• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Dubois 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
Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	47K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded	34K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Stendal silt loam, frequently flooded	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Berks complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Zanesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Steff silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	10K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cuba silt loam, frequently flooded	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Otwell silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bonnie silt loam, frequently flooded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dubois silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peoga silt loam	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Otwell silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Orthents, 6 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wellston silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pekin silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	3K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	3K	Moderately well 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 98% 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.