Greene County, Indiana

Survey Area IN055• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Greene 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
Ava silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	30K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Wellston silt loams, 18 to 25 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wellston silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	18K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Haymond silt loam, frequently flooded	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vigo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint very parachannery loam, 35 to 90 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Stendal silt loam, frequently flooded	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shakamak silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cincinnati silt loam, Wabash Lowland, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bonnie silt loam, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ebal-Wellston silt loams, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint silt loam, reclaimed, 2 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Berks complex 30 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Berks-Ebal complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Ebal silt loams, 18 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hickory silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Chetwynd silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Peoga silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/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.

Inceptisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 96% 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 100% 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.