Spencer County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Spencer County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weinbach silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Philo silt loam, frequently flooded, brief duration | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint silt loam, reclaimed, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington silt loam, frequently flooded, brief duration | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilsit silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ginat silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Henshaw silt loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Apalona-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Wellston silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 93% 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.