Washington County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Crider, on about 29% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Bedford and Caneyville come next.
About 70% of the land drains well, and 11% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 28% of it.
USDA rates 70% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 67% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% of it.
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 Washington 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 67% 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 70% 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.