Jay County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Glynwood, on about 34% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Blount and Pewamo come next.
About 1% of the land drains well, and 63% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 98% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 98% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% 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 Jay 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 Moderately well 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 Jay 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blount-Glynwood, thin solum complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 84K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 59K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood silt loam, ground moraine, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 41K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood silt loam, end moraine, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saranac silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eel clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood-Mississinewa clay loams, end moraine, 3 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood-Mississinewa clay loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bono silty clay | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood-Mississinewa clay loams, ground moraine, 3 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy | 904 | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Morley clay loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 899 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eel silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 786 | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saranac silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 779 | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eldean clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 655 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Martinsville loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 625 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blount-Urban land-Glynwood complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 537 | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitaker silt loam | 514 | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martinsville loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 468 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat 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 98% 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. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.