Elkhart County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Elkhart County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosier loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosier loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riddles-Oshtemo fine sandy loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tyner loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bristol loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bristol loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Brady sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williamstown-Crosier complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bainter sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bristol loamy sand, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Osolo loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Bristol complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | A | Not rated | Very limited | |
| Riddles-Metea complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sebewa loam, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volinia loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, till plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Tyner complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | A | Not rated | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.