Union County, Indiana

Survey Area IN161• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Union 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.