Hamilton County, Indiana

Survey Area IN057• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Hamilton 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
Crosby silt loam, fine-loamy subsoil, 0 to 2 percent slopes	64K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brookston silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	37K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Crosby silt loam, fine-loamy subsoil-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Miami silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	19K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Brookston silty clay loam-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Patton silty clay loam, Tipton Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Miami silt loam-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cyclone silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Miami silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ockley silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Ockley silt loam-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Gessie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Miami silt loam-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Westland silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Miami clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Crosby silt loam complex, fine-loamy subsoil, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Miami silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Brookston complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K			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.

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 89% 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 95% 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.