Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Survey Area IN163• Indiana

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Vanderburgh 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
Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	19K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Huntington silty clay loam	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Weinbach silt loam	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Stendal silt loam	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alford silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Wilbur silt loam	5K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Birds silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wellston silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Zipp silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Zanesville silt loam, till plain, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Evansville silt loam	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sciotoville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alford silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Zanesville silt loam, till plain, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lindside silty clay loam	3K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
McGary silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slope	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Henshaw silt loam	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	3K			Not rated	Not rated

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 89% 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 89% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.