Vermillion County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Vermillion County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xenia silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reesville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragsdale silt loam | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, loamy till substratum | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orthents, loamy, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ipava silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shipshe loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Flanagan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Armiesburg silty clay loam | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shoals silt loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Elston sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Orthents, loamy, 33 to 90 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% 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 91% 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.