Gibson County, Indiana

Survey Area IN051• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Gibson 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
Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	19K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	18K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Vincennes loam	16K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Swanwick variant silt loam, 1 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Alford silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Uniontown silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ragsdale silt loam	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Stendal silt loam, frequently flooded	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Nolin silt loam, frequently flooded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Zipp silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Reesville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Vincennes silt loam, frequently flooded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Birds silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Uniontown silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bonnie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bloomfield sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Ragsdale silt loam, overwash	5K	Poorly drained	B/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.

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 64% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 80% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.