La Porte County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 La Porte County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilford fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 42K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tracy sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elston loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tracy sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bourbon sandy loam | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coupee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa loam, shaly sand substratum | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tracy sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hanna sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maumee loamy fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riddles loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blount silt loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brems fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinhook loam | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chelsea fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tyner loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elston loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Riddles loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chelsea fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Histosols and Aquolls | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.