Pike County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Fairpoint, on about 16% of the land: a gravelly clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Hosmer and Belknap come next.
About 43% of the land drains well, and 22% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 54% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 22% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 6% of it.
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 Pike 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Pike 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 76% 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.