Parke County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Reesville, on about 16% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Russell and Hennepin come next.
About 62% of the land drains well, and 32% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 34% of it.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% 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 Parke 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 88% 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.