Union County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Russell, on about 30% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Xenia and Miami come next.
About 56% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 40% of it.
USDA rates 74% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% of it.
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 Union 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 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.
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 74% 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.