Washington County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Washington County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 60K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bedford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownstown-Gilwood silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crider silt loam, karst, 4 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagerstown-Caneyville silt loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, frequently flooded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Berks loams, 18 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider-Frederick silt loams, karst, 12 to 22 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bromer silt loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuba silt loam, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beanblossom silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, very brief duration | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pekin silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Hagerstown silt loams, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% 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 65% 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.