Whitley County, Indiana
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Whitley County, Indiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pewamo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, interlobate moraines, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morley clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, interlobate moraines, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morley loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morley clay loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rawson sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haskins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morley loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coesse silty clay loam | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shoals silt loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mermill loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morley loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, drained | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wallkill silty clay loam | 2K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rensselaer loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 98% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.