Floyd County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Knobcreek, on about 9% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Navilleton and Gilwood come next.
About 69% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 22% of it.
USDA rates 82% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 80% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 41% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Floyd County, Indiana, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Floyd 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knobcreek-Navilleton silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider-Bedford-Navilleton silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilwood-Brownstown silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gnawbone-Kurtz silt loams, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilwood-Wrays silt loams, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beanblossom silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, very brief duration | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udarents, clayey substratum, complex, hills, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Udarents, fragipan substratum, complex, till plain, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Knobcreek-Haggatt-Caneyville complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knobcreek-Haggatt-Caneyville silt loams, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knobcreek-Haggatt-Caneyville complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spickert-Wrays silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knobcreek-Navilleton-Haggatt silt loams, karst, rolling, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knobcreek-Haggatt-Caneyville silt loams, karst, hilly, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udarents, silty substratum, complex, terrace, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents, cut and filled | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Udarents, hard bedrock substratum, complex, hills, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Udarents, loamy substratum, complex, terrace, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Aquents, clayey substratum, complex, lake plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Udarents, soft bedrock substratum, complex, hills, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 1K | Not rated | Not rated |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.