Hancock County, Indiana

Survey Area IN059• 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 Hancock 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, New Castle Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes	78K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brookston silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	61K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Miami silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sloan silty clay loam	4K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Miami complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rensselaer silty clay loam	3K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, very brief duration	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ockley silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Miami silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Eel silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Miami silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kokomo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	1K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ockley silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	1K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Crosby silt loam-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Westland clay loam	1K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, very brief duration	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Miami silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	1K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Brookston silty clay loam-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	974	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	968			Not rated	Not rated
Milford silty clay loam	946	Very 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.

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.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 99% 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.