Union County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Union County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xenia and Celina silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle-Crosby silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Russell and Miami silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Russell and Miami silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Eel silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell soils, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cyclone silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cyclone silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell and Miami soils, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Xenia silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Genesee loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 72% 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.