Shelby County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Crosby, on about 31% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Brookston and Miami come next.
About 19% of the land drains well, and 68% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 71% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% 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 Shelby 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 Somewhat poorly 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 Shelby 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 86% 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 99% 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.