Steuben 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 Steuben County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glynwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Blount silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riddles sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pewamo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kosciusko sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Miami loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Histosols, ponded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riddles sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kosciusko gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boyer-Ormas loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rawson loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, disintegration moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer-Ormas loamy sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Miami loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brookston loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, drained | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosier loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% 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 79% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.