Montgomery County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Starks, on about 10% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Fincastle and Mahalasville come next.
About 21% of the land drains well, and 65% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 72% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 81% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Montgomery County, Indiana, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Montgomery 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahalasville silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starks-Crosby silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starks silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle-Miami silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia-Birkbeck silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reesville-Fincastle silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reesville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martinsville-Ockley silt loams, till substratums, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Tipton Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cyclone silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drummer silty clay loam | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragsdale silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beckville loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby-Miami silt loams, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahalasville silty clay loam, gravelly substratum | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, fine-loamy subsoil, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin complex, 18 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Camden silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Martinsville-Ockley silt loams, till substratums, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Miami-Xenia silt loams, 4 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.