St. Joseph County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Crosier, on about 10% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Oshtemo and Brookston come next.
About 30% of the land drains well, and 47% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 52% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 53% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 St. Joseph 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 St. Joseph 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 53% 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 95% 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.