Posey County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Alford, on about 18% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Wakeland and Iona come next.
About 45% of the land drains well, and 38% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 40% of it.
USDA rates 69% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 74% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 25% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Posey 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Posey 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McAdoo silt loam, frequently flooded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Evansville silt loam, rarely flooded | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iona silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henshaw silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Newark silty clay loam, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylvan silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elkinsville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alford silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ginat silt loam, rarely flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Petrolia silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uniontown silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded, rarely flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weinbach silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patton silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylvan silt loam, 18 to 40 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vincennes loam, rarely flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheeling loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat 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 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 69% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.