Pike County, Indiana

Survey Area IN125• Indiana

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

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.