Monroe County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Monroe County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brownstown-Gilwood silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wrays-Gilwood silt loams, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ebal-Wellston-Gilpin silt loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beanblossom silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, very brief duration | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ebal-Gilpin-Hagerstown silt loams, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider-Urban land complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Hagerstown silt loams, 2 to 18 percent slopes, karst | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corydon Variant-Caneyville Variant complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkinsville silt loam, upland, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.