Dubois County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Dubois County, Indiana.
| 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 |
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.