Marshall 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 Marshall County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riddles-Oshtemo fine sandy loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rensselaer loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosier loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitaker loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riddles-Metea complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Riddles-Oshtemo fine sandy loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Riddles-Metea complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilford mucky sandy loam, till plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selfridge-Crosier complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brady sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Brems-Morocco loamy sands, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gilford mucky sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Owosso sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bronson sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.