Switzerland County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is 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 Switzerland County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden flaggy silty clay, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden silty clay loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Switzerland silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weisburg silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnell silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Avonburg silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carmel silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nabb silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cobbsfork silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pate silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rossmoyne silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Weisburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bonnell silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheeling loam, rarely flooded, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dearborn channery silt loam, frequently flooded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% 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 97% 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.