St. Joseph County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 St. Joseph County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosier loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Tyner complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | A | Not rated | Very limited | |
| Rensselaer loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coupee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Riddles-Oshtemo fine sandy loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tracy sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Gilford complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Auten loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maumee mucky loamy fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quinn loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, drained, prairie peninsula, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, drained, prairie peninsula, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tyner loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tracy sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some 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.