Wells County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Pewamo, on about 28% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Blount and Del Rey come next.
About 2% of the land drains well, and 85% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 96% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 98% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% 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 Wells 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 C/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 Wells 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pewamo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 78K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Del Rey-Blount silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 57K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount-Del Rey silt loams, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 41K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood silt loam, ground moraine, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood silt loam, end moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood silt loam, ground moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood clay loam, ground moraine, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood silt loam, end moraine, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saranac silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shoals loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rensselaer loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy | 2K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Glynwood clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 1K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 1K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haskins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitaker silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 989 | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rawson fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 944 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 944 | Not rated | Not rated |
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 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 99% 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.