Vigo County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Vigo County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iva silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strip mines | 18K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Elston sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Reesville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragsdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cory silt loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Petrolia silty clay loam | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muren silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Bloomington Ridged Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Armiesburg silty clay loam | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Warsaw sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ayrshire fine sandy loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Princeton fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% 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 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.