Howard County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Howard County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosby silt loam, fine-loamy subsoil, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 35K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Tipton Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount silt loam, ground moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Treaty silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patton silty clay loam, Tipton Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cyclone silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount silt loam, end moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glynwood silt loam, ground moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount silt loam, ground moraine, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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 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.