Vigo County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Iva, on about 12% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Elston and Strip mines come next.
About 45% of the land drains well, and 45% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 52% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 16% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Vigo 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Vigo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 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 93% 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.