Owen County, 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 Owen 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory-Wellston silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shakamak silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tulip-Tipsaw complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubois silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory-Adyeville complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, Wabash Lowland, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stinesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hickory-Chetwynd loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haubstadt silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gallimore-Chetwynd complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wirt silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, very brief duration | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stinesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tulip-Wellston-Adyeville silt loams, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Solsberry silt loam, 6 to 12 perecent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pike silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Steff silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, very brief duration | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Solsberry silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 87% 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.