Tippecanoe County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Drummer, on about 13% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Starks and Crosby come next.
About 33% of the land drains well, and 55% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 57% of it.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 73% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Tippecanoe 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Tippecanoe 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drummer soils | 42K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starks-Fincastle complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toronto-Millbrook complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby-Miami silt loams, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahalasville-Treaty complex | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Throckmorton silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strawn-Rodman complex, 18 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elston loam, gravelly substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Richardville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Raub-Brenton complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Starks-Fincastle complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Mahalasville silty clay loam, gravelly substratum | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockfield silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, fine-loamy subsoil, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ouiatenon loamy sand, occasionally flooded | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Battleground silt loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waupecan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy | 4K | Moderately well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Lauramie silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 73% 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 88% 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.