Hancock County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.