Parke County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.