Ripley County, Indiana

Survey Area IN137• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Ripley 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
Cobbsfork silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	71K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Avonburg silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	38K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nabb silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	35K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cincinnati silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hickory loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cincinnati silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Avonburg silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cincinnati silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Eden flaggy silty clay, 25 to 50 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hickory silt loam, Muscatatuck Plateau, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Holton silt loam, frequently flooded	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hickory silt loam, Muscatatuck Plateau, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rossmoyne silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wirt silt loam, frequently flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Grayford silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Switzerland silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wirt loam, flaggy clay substratum, frequently flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Carmel silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Grayford silty clay loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	2K	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.

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 95% 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 100% 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.