Whitley County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Morley, on about 21% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Blount and Pewamo come next.
About 6% of the land drains well, and 54% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 64% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 84% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% 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 Whitley 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Whitley 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 | 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 |
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 84% 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.