Putnam County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Putnam County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xenia silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 42K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reesville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Tipton Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin silt loam | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iva silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragsdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ava silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ava silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stonelick sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chetwynd silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shoals-Hennepin complex, 0 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami clay loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, Wabash Lowland, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 97% 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.