Orange 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 Orange County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adyeville-Wellston silt loams, 18 to 50 percent slopes | 59K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston-Adyeville-Ebal silt loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 45K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crider-Frederick-Caneyville silt loams, karst, 2 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Haymond silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider-Caneyville silt loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston-Ebal-Adyeville complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bromer silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gatchel loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, very brief duration | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elkinsville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Crider complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% 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 77% 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.