Parke County, Indiana

Survey Area IN121• 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 Parke 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
Reesville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	29K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hennepin association, 30 to 60 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Reesville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration	16K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Russell silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hennepin-Russell complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hickory complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hickory complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Iva silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ragsdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Eel silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alford silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Genesee loam	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Russell silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Russell silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Fincastle silt loam, Tipton Till Plain, 2 to 4 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fincastle silt loam, Tipton Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ockley silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 75% 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 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

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.