Howard County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Crosby, on about 19% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Brookston and Fincastle come next.
About 9% of the land drains well, and 83% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 84% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 93% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Howard County, Indiana, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Howard 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 | 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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.