Pike County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Pike County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairpoint-Bethesda complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint silt loam, reclaimed, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint-Bethesda complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haubstadt silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Otwell silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Steff silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pike silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silty clay loam, frequently flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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 91% 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.