Starke County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Starke 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maumee sand | 28K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morocco loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brems sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, wet substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Watseka loamy sand | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, drained, prairie peninsula, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craigmile fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, drained, prairie peninsula, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prochaska loamy sand, occasionally flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newton loamy sand | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Algansee fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maumee mucky sand | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Toto muck, drained | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suman silt loam, frequently flooded | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ormas variant-Morocco loamy sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markton sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/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 79% 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 98% 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.