Perry County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Perry County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adyeville-Tipsaw-Ebal complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky | 80K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ebal-Deuchars-Kitterman complex, 12 to 24 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adyeville-Wellston-Deuchars silt loams, 8 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Adyeville-Wellston-Deuchars silt loams, 8 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ebal-Deuchars-Kitterman complex, 12 to 24 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gatchel loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, very brief duration | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents, cut and filled | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Jubin-Branchville-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, very bouldery | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markland silt loam, 18 to 50 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markland silty clay loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McAdoo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuba silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shircliff silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.