Marshall County, Indiana

Survey Area IN099• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Marshall 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

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.

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.