Shelby County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Shelby County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosby silt loam, New Castle Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 78K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 44K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westland clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nineveh loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, very brief duration | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby-Miami silt loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sleeth loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee loam | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ross silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ockley loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fox loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Miami-Crosby silt loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Martinsville loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Whitaker loam | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami clay loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eel silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.