Kosciusko County, Indiana

Survey Area IN085• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Kosciusko 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
Wawasee fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Crosier loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Barry loam	19K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Riddles fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Crosier loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rensselaer loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sebewa loam, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	12K			Not rated	Not rated
Ormas loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Miami loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ormas loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Houghton muck, drained	9K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kosciusko sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Kosciusko sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Boyer loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Shipshe sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Riddles fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Whitaker loam	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Morley-Glynwood complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wawasee fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Not 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.

Histosols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 84% 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.