Soil Survey of St. Joseph County, IndianaDetailed Soil Maps The detailed soil maps can be useful in...

United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

NaturalResourcesConservationService

In cooperation withPurdue UniversityAgricultural ExperimentStation and IndianaDepartment of NaturalResources, Division of SoilConservation and StateSoil Conservation Board

Soil Survey ofSt. Joseph County,Indiana

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is committed to making itsinformation accessible to all of its customers and employees. If you are experiencingaccessibility issues and need assistance, please contact our Helpdesk by phone at1-800-457-3642 or by e-mail at [email protected]. For assistancewith publications that include maps, graphs, or similar forms of information, you mayalso wish to contact our State or local office. You can locate the correct office andphone number at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.

NRCS Accessibility Statement

http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/appmailto:[email protected]

Detailed Soil Maps

The detailed soil maps can be useful in planning the use and management of small areas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the Index to Map Sheets. Note the number ofthe map sheet and turn to that sheet.

Locate your area of interest on the map sheet. Note the map unit symbols that are in that area. Turn to theContents, which lists the map units by symbol and name and shows the page where each map unit is described.

The Contents shows which table has data on a specific land use for each detailed soil map unit. Also see theContents for sections of this publication that may address your specific needs.

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How To Use This Soil Survey

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Additional information about the Nation’s natural resources is available on theNatural Resources Conservation Service homepage on the World Wide Web. Theaddress is http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effortof the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, Stateagencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. TheNatural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) hasleadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 2001. Soil names anddescriptions were approved in 2001. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in thispublication refer to conditions in the survey area in 2001. This survey was madecooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Purdue UniversityAgricultural Experiment Station; and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources,Division of Soil Conservation and State Soil Conservation Board. This soil surveyupdate is part of the technical assistance provided to the St. Joseph County Soil andWater Conservation District. Financial assistance was provided by the Board of CountyCommissioners of St. Joseph County and the Polis Center of St. Joseph County.

Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of thesemaps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged,maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at alarger scale.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all ofits programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability,political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited basesapply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means forcommunication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) shouldcontact the USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice or TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunityprovider and employer.

Cover: Soybean stubble and urban development in an area of Tracy sandy loam, 1 to 5 slopes.

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Contents

How To Use This Soil Survey ................................. 3Foreword ............................................................... 11General Nature of the Survey Area ......................... 13

History and Development ................................... 13Physiography, Relief, and Drainage .................... 13Farming .............................................................. 14Water Resources ................................................ 14Trends in Population and Land Use .................... 14Transportation Facilities ...................................... 14Schools .............................................................. 14Manufacturing and Agricultural Business

Services ....................................................... 15Climate ............................................................... 15

How This Survey Was Made ................................... 15Detailed Soil Map Units ........................................ 17

AahAK—Abscota loamy sand, 0 to 2percent slopes, occasionally flooded,brief duration ................................................ 18

AatAN—Ackerman muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 18

AbhAN—Adrian muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 18

AbhAU—Adrian muck, undrained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 19

ApuAN—Antung muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 19

AxvA—Auten loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes .......... 20BaaA—Bainter sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 20BaaB—Bainter sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent

slopes .......................................................... 21BaaC2—Bainter sandy loam, 4 to 10

percent slopes, eroded ................................ 21BbmA—Baugo silt loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 22BmgA—Blount silt loam, 0 to 2 percent

slopes .......................................................... 22BshA—Brady sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 22BsxA—Brems-Morocco loamy sands,

0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 23BteA—Brems loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 23BuuA—Brookston loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 24

CmbAI—Cohoctah loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes, frequently flooded, briefduration ........................................................ 24

CnbA—Coloma sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes ....... 25CnbB—Coloma sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes ....... 25CnbC—Coloma sand, 5 to 10 percent

slopes .......................................................... 26CnbD—Coloma sand, 10 to 18 percent

slopes .......................................................... 26CrrA—Coupee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 26CvdA—Crosier loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes ........ 27CvdB—Crosier loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes ........ 27CwkA—Crumstown fine sandy loam,

0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 28CwkB—Crumstown fine sandy loam,

1 to 5 percent slopes.................................... 28DcrA—Del Rey silty clay loam, 0 to 1

percent slopes ............................................. 29EchAN—Edwards muck, drained, 0 to 1

percent slopes ............................................. 29EchAU—Edwards muck, undrained, 0 to 1

percent slopes ............................................. 29EcrAN—Edselton muck, drained, 0 to 1

percent slopes ............................................. 30EcrAU—Edselton muck, undrained, 0 to 1

percent slopes ............................................. 30EmeA—Elston sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 31GczA—Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 31GdnA—Gilford mucky sandy loam, 0 to 1

percent slopes ............................................. 32HfbAN—Henrietta muck, drained, 0 to 1

percent slopes ............................................. 32HfbAU—Henrietta muck, undrained, 0 to 1

percent slopes ............................................. 33HkkA—Hillsdale sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 33HkkB—Hillsdale sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent

slopes .......................................................... 34HknC2—Hillsdale-Oshtemo sandy loams,

5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded ..................... 34HknD2—Hillsdale-Oshtemo sandy loams,

10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded ................... 35

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HkpC2—Hillsdale-Tracy sandy loams,5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded ..................... 35

HkpD2—Hillsdale-Tracy sandy loams,10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded ................... 36

HtbAN—Houghton muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 36

HtbAU—Houghton muck, undrained,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 37

JaaAK—Jamestown silt loam, 0 to 1percent slopes, occasionally flooded,brief duration ................................................ 37

MfaA—Martinsville loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes .......................................................... 38

MfaB2—Martinsville loam, 1 to 5 percentslopes, eroded ............................................. 38

MfaC2—Martinsville loam, 5 to 10 percentslopes, eroded ............................................. 39

MfrAN—Madaus muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 39

MfrAU—Madaus muck, undrained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 40

MgcA—Maumee loamy sand, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 40

MgdAN—Martisco muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 40

MhaA—Maumee loamy fine sand, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 41

MhbA—Maumee mucky loamy fine sand,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 41

MmbC2—Miami loam, 5 to 10 percentslopes, eroded ............................................. 42

MmdC3—Miami clay loam, 5 to 10percent slopes, severely eroded .................. 42

MmdD3—Miami clay loam, 10 to 18percent slopes, severely eroded .................. 43

MouA—Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 43

MsaA—Mishawaka sandy loam, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 43

MtsB2—Morley silt loam, 2 to 6 percentslopes, eroded ............................................. 44

MtsC2—Morley silt loam, 6 to 12 percentslopes, eroded ............................................. 44

MubD3—Morley silty clay loam, 12 to 18percent slopes, severely eroded .................. 45

MvhAN—Moston muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 45

MvhAU—Moston muck, undrained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 46

MvkA—Morocco loamy sand, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 46

MwzAN—Muskego muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 47

MwzAU—Muskego muck, undrained,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 47

OkrA—Oshtemo fine sandy loam, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 48

OkrB—Oshtemo fine sandy loam, 1 to 5percent slopes ............................................. 48

OkrC2—Oshtemo fine sandy loam, 5 to 10percent slopes, eroded ................................ 48

OkrD—Oshtemo fine sandy loam, 10 to 18percent slopes ............................................. 49

OlcA—Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 49

OlcB—Oshtemo sandy loam, 1 to 5percent slopes ............................................. 49

OlcC2—Oshtemo sandy loam, 5 to 10percent slopes, eroded ................................ 50

OlcD—Oshtemo sandy loam, 10 to 18percent slopes ............................................. 50

OmgA—Osolo loamy sand, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 51

PaaAN—Palms muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 51

PaaAU—Palms muck, undrained, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 52

Pmg—Pits, gravel ............................................... 52PxlA—Psammaquents ....................................... 52Pxo—Psamments .............................................. 53QuiA—Quinn loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 53QujA—Quinn sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 53RenA—Rensselaer mucky loam, 0 to 1

percent slopes ............................................. 54ReyA—Rensselaer loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 54RopA—Riddles-Oshtemo fine sandy

loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes ........................ 55

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RopB—Riddles-Oshtemo fine sandyloams, 1 to 5 percent slopes ........................ 55

RopC2—Riddles-Oshtemo fine sandyloams, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded ......... 56

RopD2—Riddles-Oshtemo fine sandyloams, 10 to 18 percent slopes,eroded ......................................................... 57

RoqB—Riddles-Metea complex, 1 to 5percent slopes ............................................. 57

RoqC2—Riddles-Metea complex, 5 to 10percent slopes, eroded ................................ 58

RoqD2—Riddles-Metea complex, 10 to 18percent slopes, eroded ................................ 58

SdzA—Selfridge-Crosier complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 59

SdzaB—Selfridge-Brems loamy sands,1 to 4 percent slopes.................................... 60

SesA—Schoolcraft loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes .......................................................... 60

SnlA—Southwest silt loam, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 61

TmpA—Tracy sandy loam, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 61

TmpB—Tracy sandy loam, 1 to 5percent slopes ............................................. 62

TmpC2—Tracy sandy loam, 5 to 10percent slopes, eroded ................................ 62

TmpD—Tracy sandy loam, 10 to 18percent slopes ............................................. 62

TnwA—Troxel silt loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes .......................................................... 63

TxuA—Tyner loamy sand, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 63

TxuB—Tyner loamy sand, 1 to 5percent slopes ............................................. 64

TxuC—Tyner loamy sand, 5 to 10percent slopes ............................................. 64

TxuD—Tyner loamy sand, 10 to 18percent slopes ............................................. 64

TxuF—Tyner loamy sand, 18 to 45percent slopes ............................................. 65

Uam—Udorthents, loamy ................................... 65UdeA—Urban land-Bainter complex,

0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 65

UdeB—Urban land-Bainter complex,1 to 4 percent slopes.................................... 67

UdeC—Urban land-Bainter complex,4 to 10 percent slopes.................................. 67

UdkA—Urban land-Brady complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 68

UdzA—Urban land-Auten complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 68

UeaA—Urban land-Crosier complex,0 to 3 percent slopes.................................... 69

UeqA—Urban land-Gilford complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 69

UewA—Urban land-Brems-Moroccocomplex, 0 to 1 percent slopes .................... 70

UfbA—Urban land-Brookston complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 70

UfhA—Urban land-Coloma complex,0 to 2 percent slopes.................................... 71

UfhB—Urban land-Coloma complex,2 to 5 percent slopes.................................... 71

UfhC—Urban land-Coloma complex,5 to 10 percent slopes.................................. 72

UfmA—Urban land-Coupee complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 72

UfrA—Urban land-Del Rey complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 73

UftA—Urban land-Elston complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 73

UfzA—Urban land-Mishawaka complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 74

UgaA—Urban land-Morocco complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 74

UglA—Urban land-Osolo complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 75

UgrA—Urban land-Rensselaer complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 75

UgsA—Urban land-Riddles-Oshtemocomplex, 0 to 1 percent slopes .................... 76

UgsB—Urban land-Riddles-Oshtemocomplex, 1 to 5 percent slopes .................... 76

UgvA—Urban land-Tyner complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 77

UgvB—Urban land-Tyner complex, 1 to 5percent slopes ............................................. 78

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UgvC—Urban land-Tyner complex, 5 to 10percent slopes ............................................. 78

UgvD—Urban land-Tyner complex,10 to 18 percent slopes ................................ 79

UhmA—Urban land-Hillsdale complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 79

UhmB—Urban land-Hillsdale complex,1 to 5 percent slopes.................................... 79

UhoC—Urban land-Hillsdale-Oshtemocomplex, 5 to 10 percent slopes .................. 80

UhoD—Urban land-Hillsdale-Oshtemocomplex, 10 to 18 percent slopes ................ 81

UhpC—Urban land-Hillsdale-Tracycomplex, 5 to 10 percent slopes .................. 81

UhpD—Urban land-Hillsdale-Tracycomplex, 10 to 18 percent slopes ................ 82

UhwA—Urban land-Martinsvillecomplex, 0 to 1 percent slopes .................... 83

UhwB—Urban land-Martinsvillecomplex, 1 to 5 percent slopes .................... 83

UhwC—Urban land-Martinsvillecomplex, 5 to 10 percent slopes .................. 84

UkaA—Urban land-Maumee complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 84

UkeA—Urban land-Milford complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 84

UkxA—Urban land-Oshtemo complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 85

UkxB—Urban land-Oshtemo complex,1 to 5 percent slopes.................................... 85

UkxC—Urban land-Oshtemo complex,5 to 10 percent slopes.................................. 86

UmfB—Urban land-Riddles-Meteacomplex, 1 to 5 percent slopes .................... 86

UmfC—Urban land-Riddles-Meteacomplex, 5 to 10 percent slopes .................. 87

UmfD—Urban land-Riddles-Meteacomplex, 10 to 18 percent slopes ................ 88

UmpA—Urban land-Schoolcraft complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 89

UmuA—Urban land-Southwest complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 89

UmwA—Urban land-Tracy complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 90

UmwB—Urban land-Tracy complex, 1 to 5percent slopes ............................................. 90

UmwC—Urban land-Tracy complex,5 to 10 percent slopes.................................. 91

UmwD—Urban land-Tracy complex,10 to 18 percent slopes ................................ 91

UmxA—Urban land-Troxel complex, 0 to 1percent slopes ............................................. 92

UnoA—Urban land-Whitaker complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 92

UnqB—Urban land-Williamstown-Crosiercomplex, 1 to 5 percent slopes .................... 93

UntA—Urban land-Wunabuna complex,0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 93

Usl—Udorthents, rubbish ................................... 94WcnAI—Waterford loam, 0 to 2 percent

slopes, frequently flooded, long duration ...... 94WoaA—Williamstown loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 94WoaB2—Williamstown loam, 1 to 5

percent slopes, eroded ................................ 95WoaC2—Williamstown loam, 5 to 10

percent slopes, eroded ................................ 95WobB—Williamstown-Crosier loams,

1 to 5 percent slopes.................................... 96WrxAN—Wunabuna silt loam, drained,

0 to 1 percent slopes.................................... 97WtbA—Whitaker loam, 0 to 1 percent

slopes .......................................................... 97WujB—Williamstown-Moon complex,

1 to 5 percent slopes.................................... 97Use and Management of the Soils ...................... 99

Interpretive Ratings ............................................ 99Rating Class Terms ........................................ 99Numerical Ratings .......................................... 99

Agronomy ........................................................... 99Cropland Limitations and Hazards ............... 101Pasture Limitations and Hazards ................. 103Yields per Acre ............................................. 106Pasture and Hayland Interpretations ............ 107Land Capability Classification ...................... 107Prime Farmland ........................................... 108Windbreaks and Environmental

Plantings ............................................. 109

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Forestland ........................................................ 110Forestland Productivity ................................. 110Forestland Management .............................. 110

Recreation ........................................................ 112Wildlife Habitat ................................................. 114Hydric Soils ...................................................... 116Engineering ...................................................... 118

Building Site Development ........................... 119Sanitary Facilities ......................................... 120Waste Management ..................................... 122Construction Materials ................................. 122

Soil Properties .................................................... 125Engineering Index Properties ........................... 125Physical Properties .......................................... 126Chemical Properties ......................................... 128Water Features ................................................. 128Soil Features .................................................... 129

Classification of the Soils .................................. 131Soil Series and Their Morphology ......................... 131

Abscota Series ................................................. 131Ackerman Series .............................................. 132Adrian Series ................................................... 133Antung Series ................................................... 134Auten Series ..................................................... 134Bainter Series ................................................... 135Baugo Series .................................................... 136Blount Series .................................................... 138Brady Series..................................................... 139Brems Series ................................................... 140Brookston Series .............................................. 141Cohoctah Series ............................................... 142Coloma Series .................................................. 143Coupee Series ................................................. 144Crosier Series .................................................. 145Crumstown Series ............................................ 146Del Rey Series ................................................. 147Edselton Series ................................................ 148Edwards Series ................................................ 149Elston Series .................................................... 150Gilford Series ................................................... 151Henrietta Series ............................................... 152Hillsdale Series ................................................ 152Houghton Series .............................................. 153Jamestown Series ............................................ 154

Madaus Series ................................................. 155Martinsville Series ............................................ 162Martisco Series ................................................ 163Maumee Series ................................................ 163Metea Series .................................................... 164Miami Series .................................................... 165Milford Series ................................................... 166Mishawaka Series ............................................ 167Moon Series ..................................................... 168Morley Series ................................................... 169Morocco Series ................................................ 170Moston Series .................................................. 171Muskego Series ............................................... 172Oshtemo Series ............................................... 172Osolo Series .................................................... 173Palms Series .................................................... 174Quinn Series .................................................... 175Rensselaer Series ............................................ 176Riddles Series .................................................. 177Schoolcraft Series ............................................ 179Selfridge Series ................................................ 180Southwest Series ............................................. 181Tracy Series ..................................................... 182Troxel Series..................................................... 183Tyner Series ..................................................... 184Waterford Series .............................................. 185Whitaker Series ................................................ 187Williamstown Series ......................................... 188Wunabuna Series ............................................. 189

Formation of the Soils ........................................ 191Factors of Soil Formation ................................. 191

Climate ......................................................... 191Plant and Animal life ..................................... 191Relief ............................................................ 192Parent Material and Geology ........................ 192Time ............................................................. 193

Processes of Soil Formation............................. 193References .......................................................... 195Glossary .............................................................. 197Tables .................................................................. 209

Table 1.—Temperature and Precipitation .......... 210Table 2.—Freeze Dates in Spring and

Fall ............................................................. 211Table 3.—Growing Season ............................... 211

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Issued 2004

Table 4.—Acreage and Proportionate Extentof the Soils ................................................. 212

Table 5.—Main Cropland and PasturelandLimitations and Hazards ............................ 215

Table 6.—Land Capability and Yields perAcre of Crops and Pasture ......................... 232

Table 7.—Prime Farmland ................................ 241Table 8.—Windbreaks and Environmental

Plantings .................................................... 242Table 9.—Forestland Productivity ..................... 280Table 10a.—Forestland Management ............... 319Table 10b.—Forestland Management ............... 335Table 10c.—Forestland Management ............... 350Table 10d.—Forestland Management ............... 364Table 11a.—Recreation .................................... 377

Table 11b.—Recreation .................................... 397Table 12.—Wildlife Habitat ................................ 414Table 13a.—Building Site Development ............ 428Table 13b.—Building Site Development ............ 446Table 14a.—Sanitary Facilities ......................... 468Table 14b.—Sanitary Facilities .......................... 492Table 15a.—Construction Materials .................. 512Table 15b.—Construction Materials .................. 530Table 16.—Engineering Index Properties ......... 556Table 17a.—Physical Properties of the Soils .... 597Table 17b.—Physical Properties of the Soils .... 618Table 18.—Chemical Properties of the Soils ..... 639Table 19.—Water Features ............................... 660Table 20.—Soil Features .................................. 678Table 21.—Classification of the Soils ................ 690

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Foreword

This soil survey contains information that affects land use planning in this surveyarea. It contains predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The survey alsohighlights soil limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and theimpact of selected land uses on the environment.

This soil survey is designed for many different users. Farmers, foresters, andagronomists can use it to evaluate the potential of the soil and the management neededfor maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials, engineers,developers, builders, and home buyers can use the survey to plan land use, select sitesfor construction, and identify special practices needed to ensure proper performance.Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, wildlifemanagement, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the survey to help themunderstand, protect, and enhance the environment.

Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may imposespecial restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this report isintended to identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or landtreatment decisions. Statements made in this report are intended to help the land usersidentify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner oruser is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations.

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils areseasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are shallow to bedrock. Some are toounstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils arepoorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soilpoorly suited to basements or underground installations.

These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soilsurvey. Broad areas of soils are shown on the general soil map. The location of eachsoil is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in the survey area is described.Information on specific uses is given for each soil. Help in using this publication andadditional information are available at the local office of the Natural ResourcesConservation Service or the Cooperative Extension Service.

Jane E. HardistyState ConservationistNatural Resources Conservation Service

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Soil Survey of

St. Joseph County, Indiana

manufacturing and agricultural business services; andclimate.

History and Development

The Potowatomi Indians and some Miami Indianswere the original inhabitants of St. Joseph County. Thefirst European explorers were Marquette in 1673 andLaSalle in 1679. Pierre Navarre was the first Europeansettler. He established a trading post in South Bend in1820. The settlers followed Indian trails in establishingtheir transportation system.

The county was established by the Indiana StateLegislature in 1830. Mishawaka was incorporated as atown in 1834 and South Bend was incorporated in 1835.

Physiography, Relief, and Drainage

St. Joseph County includes three major landresource areas (MLRAs). The Southwestern MichiganFruit and Truck Belt (MLRA 97) is in the extremenorthwest corner of the county. The SouthernMichigan and Northern Indiana Drift Plain (MLRA 98)covers most of the northern and western parts of thecounty, and the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA111) covers the southeastern part of the county(USDA, 1981). The drainage divide between theMississippi Basin and the Great Lakes Basin crossesSt. Joseph County. About two-thirds of the countydrains into the Kankakee River system, which flows tothe Mississippi River, and one-third drains into the St.Joseph River system, which flows into Lake Michigan.

By Shane L. McBurnett, Rex A. Brock, David A. Gehring, and Richard W. Neilson,Indiana Headwaters MLRA Soils Team, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Fieldwork by Rex A. Brock, David A. Gehring, Shane L. McBurnett, and Richard W.Neilson, Natural Resources Conservation Service

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,in cooperation withPurdue University Agricultural Experiment Station and Indiana Department of NaturalResources, Division of Soil Conservation and State Soil Conservation Board

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY is in the north-central part ofIndiana (fig. 1). It has a total area of 295,424 acres, or467 square miles. The county is bordered on the northby Michigan, on the west by LaPorte County, on theeast by Elkhart County, and on the south by MarshallCounty. South Bend, the county seat, is about 96 milesfrom Chicago.

About 52 percent of the land in St. Joseph Countyis highly productive and is used as farmland. The saleof farm products and high value specialty crops is asignificant source of revenue in the county. Corn andsoybeans are the main crops. Mint, seed corn, hay,vegetables, nursery crops, and Christmas trees alsoare important as sources of revenue. Dairy cattle,hogs, some beef cattle, and horses are the mainvarieties of livestock.

The county, which is near the center of the GreatLakes industrial belt, has many industrial andmanufacturing firms providing full-time employment tomany residents from Indiana and Michigan.

This soil survey updates the survey of St. JosephCounty published in 1977 (Benton, 1977). It providesadditional information and has larger maps, whichshow the soils in greater detail.

General Nature of the Survey AreaThis section provides some general information

about St. Joseph County. It describes history anddevelopment; physiography, relief, and drainage;farming; water resources; trends in population andland use; transportation facilities; schools;

14 Soil Survey of

Farming

Farming acres in St. Joseph County have steadilydeclined over the last few decades. In 1997, St.Joseph County had 666 farms covering 227,874acres. The average farm size is 231 acres (Gann andLiles, 2000).

Corn and soybeans are the major crops. Specialtycrops such as mint, potatoes, onions, and vegetablesare an important agricultural commodity in St. JosephCounty. Livestock mainly consists of diary cattle,although many rural families raise horses.

Water Resources

The St. Joseph River flows west from ElkhartCounty where it enters Indiana from Michigan. Flowingthrough Mishawaka and South Bend, it re-entersMichigan just north of South Bend, eventuallydischarging to Lake Michigan. The Dixon West Place

Ditch (just southwest of South Bend) is theheadwaters of the Kankakee River. The Kankakeeflows southwest into Illinois.

St. Joseph County has a complex connection ofseveral major unconsolidated aquifer systems madeup of thick sand and gravel deposits between largerglacial till deposits. These systems, although highlyvulnerable to contamination, also produce one of themost abundant supplies of ground water for drinking,irrigation, and industrial/commercial uses.

Regionally, the flow of the ground water follows thetopography and ultimately flows to the rivers and theirmajor tributaries.

Trends in Population and Land Use

In 1980, St. Joseph County had a population of241,617. The population increased by 10 percentbetween 1980 and 2000. The population was 265,559in 2000.

During the period from 1992 to 1997, the amount ofurbanized land increased by about 12 percent and allcategories of agricultural land decreased by the sameamount (Gann and Liles, 1994; Gann and Liles, 2000).In 1997, 53 percent of the county was used foragricultural purposes. Approximately 3,000 acres ofland is being converted to urban uses each year. Thistrend is expected to continue.

Transportation Facilities

St. Joseph County is within a highly developedtransportation network. The area is served by 6railroad systems which include 2 passenger railroads(Amtrak and the South Shore) and 4 freight railservices (Grand Trunk Western, Norfolk & Southern,CSX, and South Shore Freight). The St. JosephCounty Airport provides major airline service toprincipal cities of the United States. Major roadwaysinclude U.S. Highways 6, 20, 31, and 933; IndianaHighways 2, 4, 23, 104, 123, and 331; the NorthernIndiana Tollroad; and Interstate Highways 80 and 90.

Schools

Six public school systems serve St. Joseph County.In addition, St. Joseph County is served by 2 parochialhigh schools, 15 private, independent schools, and 7colleges and universities, including Notre Dame.Population and development trends have been on theincrease throughout the county and these schools areaddressing ways to increase the capacity of theirfacilities to accommodate more students.

Figure 1.—Location of St. Joseph County in Indiana.

St. Joseph County, Indiana 15

Manufacturing and Agricultural BusinessServices

Throughout the county, several elevators serve theagricultural community by storing and marketing grain,mainly corn and soybeans. Other agriculture-relatedbusinesses include equipment, fertilizer, chemical, andseed dealers, as well as the ethanol plant. There aremany alternative crops in St. Joseph County includingmint, potatoes, seed corn, popcorn, and onions.

The first industries in the county were established inthe 1830s. The Studebaker Wagon Works wasestablished in 1852, and other large manufacturingfirms were established in later years. In the last fewdecades, St. Joseph County has moved into theservice-oriented work arena. More than 50 percent ofthe work force holds jobs in service areas such asmedical and governmental. More than 16 percent ofthe work force is employed in retail businesses.

Climate

Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitationfor the survey area as recorded at South Bend in theperiod 1961 to 1990. Table 2 shows probable dates ofthe first freeze in fall and the last freeze in spring.Table 3 provides data on length of the growing season.

In winter, the average temperature is 26.1 degreesF and the average daily minimum temperature is 18.9degrees. The lowest temperature on record, whichoccurred at South Bend on January 19, 1994, was -21degrees. In summer, the average temperature is 71degrees and the average daily maximum temperatureis 81 degrees. The highest temperature on record,which occurred at South Bend on June 25, 1988, was104 degrees.

Growing degree days are shown in table 1. Theyare equivalent to “heat units.” During the month,growing degree days accumulate by the amount thatthe average temperature each day exceeds a basetemperature (40 degrees F). The normal monthlyaccumulation is used to schedule single or successiveplantings of a crop between the last freeze in springand the first freeze in fall.

The average annual total precipitation is about39.22 inches. Of this total, about 21.5 inches, or 55percent, usually falls in May through October. Thegrowing season for most crops falls within this period.The heaviest 1-day rainfall during the period of recordwas 4.69 inches at South Bend on June 25, 1968.Thunderstorms occur on about 42 days each year,and most occur between April and September.

The average seasonal snowfall is around 81 inches.In general, there is slightly more snow on average in

the northern and western portions of the county whichare closer to Lake Michigan. The greatest snow depthat any one time during the period of record at SouthBend was 41 inches recorded on January 30, 1978.On an average, 72 days per year have at least 1 inchof snow on the ground. The heaviest 1-day snowfall onrecord was 15.6 inches recorded on January 26,1978.

The average relative humidity in midafternoon isabout 60 percent. Humidity is higher at night, and theaverage at dawn is about 82 percent. The sun shinesabout 66 percent of the time possible in summer and38 percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from thesouthwest, except from the north during March andApril. Average windspeed is highest, between 11 and12 miles per hour, from November to April.

How This Survey Was MadeThis survey was made to provide information about

the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area.The information includes a description of the soils andmiscellaneous areas and their location and adiscussion of their suitability, limitations, andmanagement for specified uses. Soil scientistsobserved the steepness, length, and shape of theslopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds ofcrops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock.They dug many holes to study the soil profile, which isthe sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil.The profile extends from the surface down into theunconsolidated material in which the soil formed. Theunconsolidated material is devoid of roots and otherliving organisms and has not been changed by otherbiological activity.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in the surveyarea are in an orderly pattern that is related to thegeology, landforms, relief, climate, and naturalvegetation of the area. Each kind of soil andmiscellaneous area is associated with a particular kindof landform or with a segment of the landform. Byobserving the soils and miscellaneous areas in thesurvey area and relating their position to specificsegments of the landform, a soil scientist develops aconcept or model of how they were formed. Thus,during mapping, this model enables the soil scientistto predict with a considerable degree of accuracy thekind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific locationon the landscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape mergeinto one another as their characteristics graduallychange. To construct an accurate soil map, however,soil scientists must determine the boundaries betweenthe soils. They can observe only a limited number of

16

soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations,supplemented by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient toverify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and todetermine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of thesoil profiles that they studied. They noted color,texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind andamount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots,reaction, and other features that enable them toidentify soils. After describing the soils in the surveyarea and determining their properties, the soilscientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes(units). Taxonomic classes are concepts. Eachtaxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics withprecisely defined limits. The classes are used as abasis for comparison to classify soils systematically.Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classificationused in the United States, is based mainly on the kindand character of soil properties and the arrangementof horizons within the profile. After the soil scientistsclassified and named the soils in the survey area, theycompared the individual soils with similar soils in thesame taxonomic class in other areas so that theycould confirm data and assemble additional databased on experience and research.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of someof the soils in the area generally are collected forlaboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soilscientists interpret the data from these analyses andtests as well as the field-observed characteristics andthe soil properties to determine the expected behaviorof the soils under different uses. Interpretations for allof the soils are field tested through observation of the

soils in different uses and under different levels ofmanagement. Some interpretations are modified to fitlocal conditions, and some new interpretations aredeveloped to meet local needs. Data are assembledfrom other sources, such as research information,production records, and field experience of specialists.For example, data on crop yields under defined levelsof management are assembled from farm records andfrom field or plot experiments on the same kinds ofsoil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not onlyon soil properties but also on such variables asclimate and biological activity. Soil conditions arepredictable over long periods of time, but they are notpredictable from year to year. For example, soilscientists can predict with a fairly high degree ofaccuracy that a given soil will have a high water tablewithin certain depths in most years, but they cannotpredict that a high water table will always be at aspecific level in the soil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified thesignificant natural bodies of soil in the survey area,they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerialphotographs and identified each as a specific mapunit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields,roads, and rivers, all of which help in locatingboundaries accurately.

The descriptions, names, and delineations ofthe soils in this survey area do not fully agree withthose of the soils in adjacent survey areas. Differencesare the result of a better knowledge of soils,modifications in series concepts, or variations in theintensity of mapping or in the extent of the soils in thesurvey areas.

17

Detailed Soil Map Units

The map units delineated on the detailed soil mapsin this survey represent the soils or miscellaneousareas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions inthis section, along with the maps, can be used todetermine the suitability and potential of a unit forspecific uses. They also can be used to plan themanagement needed for those uses.

A map unit delineation on a soil map represents anarea dominated by one or more major kinds of soil ormiscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified andnamed according to the taxonomic classification of thedominant soils. Within a taxonomic class there areprecisely defined limits for the properties of the soils.On the landscape, however, the soils are naturalphenomena, and they have the characteristicvariability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range ofsome observed properties may extend beyond thelimits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of asingle taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mappedwithout including areas of other taxonomic classes.Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soilsor miscellaneous areas for which it is named andsome minor components that belong to taxonomicclasses other than those of the major soils.

Most minor soils have properties similar to those ofthe dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thusthey do not affect use and management. These arecalled noncontrasting, or similar components. Theymay or may not be mentioned in a particular map unitdescription. Other minor components, however, haveproperties and behavioral characteristics divergentenough to affect use or to require differentmanagement. These are called contrasting, ordissimilar components. They generally are in smallareas and could not be mapped separately because ofthe scale used. Some small areas of stronglycontrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identifiedby a special symbol on the maps. The contrastingcomponents are mentioned in the map unitdescriptions under the heading Map Unit Composition.A few areas of minor components may not have beenobserved, and consequently they are not mentioned inthe descriptions, especially where the pattern was socomplex that it was impractical to make enough

observations to identify all the soils and miscellaneousareas on the landscape.

The presence of minor components in a map unit inno way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of thedata. The objective of mapping is not to delineate puretaxonomic classes but rather to separate thelandscape into landforms or landform segments thathave similar use and management requirements. Thedelineation of such segments on the map providessufficient information for the development of resourceplans. If intensive use of small areas is planned,however, onsite investigation is needed to define andlocate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit namein the map unit descriptions. Each description includesgeneral facts about the unit.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike makeup a soil series. Except for differences in texture of thesurface layer, all the soils of a series have majorhorizons that are similar in composition, thickness,and arrangement.

Soils of one series can differ in texture of thesurface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity, degree oferosion, and other characteristics that affect their use.On the basis of such differences, a soil series isdivided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown onthe detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. Thename of a soil phase commonly indicates a featurethat affects use or management. For example, Crosierloam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, is a phase of the Crosierseries.

Some map units are made up of two or more majorsoils or miscellaneous areas. These map units arecomplexes. A complex consists of two or more soils ormiscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or insuch small areas that they cannot be shownseparately on the maps. The pattern and proportion ofthe soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similarin all areas. Riddles-Metea complex, 5 to 10 percentslopes, eroded, is an example.

This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Suchareas have little or no soil material and support littleor no vegetation. The map unit Pits, gravel, isan example.

18 Soil Survey of

Table 4 gives the acreage and proportionate extentof each map unit. Other tables (see Contents) giveproperties of the soils and the limitations, capabilities,and potentials for many uses. The Glossary definesmany of the terms used in describing the soils ormiscellaneous areas.

AahAK—Abscota loamy sand, 0 to 2percent slopes, occasionally flooded,brief duration

Setting

Landform: Flood plainsPosition on the landform: Backslopes, shoulders, and

summits

Map Unit Composition

The moderately well drained Abscota and similarsoils—80 percent

The poorly drained Cohoctah and similar soils—10 percent

The somewhat poorly drained Waterford and similarsoils—7 percent

The poorly drained Gravelton and similar soils—3 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Abscota—4sPrime farmland status: Not prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of the Abscota Soil

Parent material: Sandy alluviumDrainage class: Moderately well drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: RapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 4.0 inches to a depth

of 60 inchesContent of organic matter in the surface layer: 0.5 to

3.0 percentShrink-swell potential: LowApparent seasonal high water table is highest (depth,

months): 1.5 feet (January, February, March, April,May, December)

Frequency of flooding: Occasional (March, April, May,June)

Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: LowHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and low for concreteSurface runoff class: NegligibleSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: High

AatAN—Ackerman muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes

Setting

Landform: Depressions in outwash plainsPosition on the landform: Footslopes and toeslopes


The very poorly drained Ackerman, drained, andsimilar soils—85 percent

The very poorly drained Moston and similar soils—10 percent

The very poorly drained Antung and similar soils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Ackerman—4wPrime farmland status: Not prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of theAckerman, Drained, Soil

Parent material: Herbaceous organic material overcoprogenic material over sandy outwash

Drainage class: Very poorly drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Slow to rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 7.7 inches to a depth


90.0 percentShrink-swell potential: ModerateApparent seasonal high water table is highest (depth,

months): At the surface (January, February,March, December)

Frequency of ponding: Frequent (January, February,March, April, May, December)

Hydric soil status: HydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and low for

concreteSurface runoff class: NegligibleSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: High

AbhAN—Adrian muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes

Setting

Landform: Depressions in lake plains, outwash plains,and till plains

Position on the landform: Toeslopes and footslopes



The very poorly drained Adrian, drained, and similarsoils—75 percent

The very poorly drained Antung and similar soils—10 percent

The very poorly drained Edwards and similar soils—6 percent

The very poorly drained Houghton and similar soils—6 percent

The very poorly drained Muskego and similar soils—3 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Adrian—3wPrime farmland status: Farmland of statewide importance

Properties and Qualities of theAdrian, Drained, Soil

Parent material: Herbaceous organic material oversandy outwash

Drainage class: Very poorly drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderately slow

to rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 15.1 inches to a depth



months): At the surface (April, May, June)Frequency of ponding: Frequent (January, February,

March, April, May, December)Hydric soil status: HydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and moderate for


AbhAU—Adrian muck, undrained, 0 to 1percent slopes

Setting


Position on the landform: Footslopes and toeslopes


The very poorly drained Adrian, undrained, and similarsoils—75 percent

The very poorly drained Edwards and similar soils—8 percent

The very poorly drained Houghton and similar soils—7 percent

The very poorly drained Muskego and similar soils—5 percent

Water—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Adrian—5wPrime farmland status: Not prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of theAdrian, Undrained, Soil






months): At the surface (January, February,March, April, May, June, December)

Frequency of ponding: Frequent (January, February,March, April, May, June, July, August, October,November, December)

Hydric soil status: HydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and moderate for


ApuAN—Antung muck, drained, 0 to 1percent slopes

Setting


Position on the landform: Footslopes and toeslopes


The very poorly drained Antung, drained, and similarsoils—75 percent

The very poorly drained Adrian and similar soils—15 percent

20 Soil Survey of

The very poorly drained Ackerman and similar soils—5 percent

The very poorly drained Madaus and similar soils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Antung—3wPrime farmland status: Farmland of statewide importance

Properties and Qualities of theAntung, Drained, Soil






months): At the surface (January, February,March, December)

Frequency of ponding: Frequent (January, February,March, April, May, December)

Hydric soil status: HydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and moderate for


AxvA—Auten loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes

Setting

Landform: Moraines, outwash plains, and terracesPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

backslopes


The somewhat poorly drained Auten and similarsoils—82 percent

The somewhat poorly drained Brady and similarsoils—8 percent

The poorly drained Quinn and similar soils—5 percentThe poorly drained Rensselaer and similar soils—

5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Auten—2sPrime farmland status: Prime farmland where drained

Properties and Qualities of the Auten Soil

Parent material: Loamy and/or sandy outwashDrainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderate to rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: 20 to 35 inches to strongly

contrasting textural stratificationAvailable water capacity: About 6.2 inches to a depth



months): 0.5 foot (April)Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and high for

concreteSurface runoff class: LowSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Low

BaaA—Bainter sandy loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Outwash plainsPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

backslopes


The well drained Bainter and similar soils—85 percentThe somewhat poorly drained Brady and similar

soils—5 percentThe excessively drained Bristol and similar soils—

5 percentThe moderately well drained Bronson and similar

soils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Bainter—3sPrime farmland status: Prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of the Bainter Soil

Parent material: Loamy over sandy outwashDrainage class: Well drained


Permeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderately rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: Moderate to

rapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 7.2 inches to a depth


3.0 percentShrink-swell potential: ModerateDepth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.7 feet

all yearHydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: ModerateHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and moderate for

concreteSurface runoff class: Very lowSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Moderately high

BaaB—Bainter sandy loam, 1 to 4 percentslopes

Setting


backslopes


The well drained Bainter and similar soils—85 percentThe somewhat poorly drained Brady and similar

soils—5 percentThe excessively drained Bristol and similar soils—

5 percentThe moderately well drained Bronson and similar

soils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Bainter—3ePrime farmland status: Prime farmland


Parent material: Loamy over sandy outwashDrainage class: Well drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderately rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: Moderate to



3.0 percentShrink-swell potential: Moderate

Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.7 feetall year

Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: ModerateHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and moderate for


BaaC2—Bainter sandy loam, 4 to 10percent slopes, eroded

Setting

Landform: Outwash plainsPosition on the landform: Backslopes


The well drained Bainter and similar soils—85 percent

The excessively drained Bristol and similar soils—5 percent

The excessively drained Mishawaka and similarsoils—5 percent

The well drained Oshtemo and similar soils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Bainter—3ePrime farmland status: Not prime farmland


Parent material: Loamy over sandy outwashDrainage class: Well drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderately rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: Moderate to




all yearHydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: ModerateHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and moderate for

concreteSurface runoff class: Very lowSusceptibility to water erosion: ModerateSusceptibility to wind erosion: Moderately high

22 Soil Survey of

BbmA—Baugo silt loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Lake plains and till plainsPosition on the landform: Backslopes


The somewhat poorly drained Baugo and similarsoils—85 percent


The somewhat poorly drained Del Rey and similarsoils—5 percent

The poorly drained Rensselaer and similar soils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Baugo—2wPrime farmland status: Prime farmland where drained

Properties and Qualities of the Baugo Soil

Parent material: Loamy over sandy outwash overloamy till

Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderate to

rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: Slow to rapidDepth to restrictive feature: 50 to 60 inches to dense

materialAvailable water capacity: About 6.5 inches to a depth


3.0 percentShrink-swell potential: ModeratePerched seasonal high water table is highest (depth,

months): 0.5 foot (March, April)Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and moderate for


BmgA—Blount silt loam, 0 to 2 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Till plainsPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders,

and backslopes


The somewhat poorly drained Blount and similarsoils—85 percent

The moderately well drained Glynwood and similarsoils—6 percent

The poorly drained Pewamo and similar soils—4 percentThe poorly drained Milford and similar soils—3 percentThe moderately well drained Morley and similar soils—

2 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Blount—2wPrime farmland status: Prime farmland where drained

Properties and Qualities of the Blount Soil

Parent material: Loamy till over loamy basal tillDrainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Slow to moderatePermeability below a depth of 40 inches: SlowDepth to restrictive feature: 30 to 50 inches to dense




months): 0.5 foot (March, April)Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and moderate for

concreteSurface runoff class: MediumSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Low

BshA—Brady sandy loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Outwash plains and outwash terracesPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

backslopes



The poorly drained Gilford and similar soils—4 percentThe moderately well drained Brems and similar soils—

3 percentThe somewhat poorly drained Morocco and similar

soils—3 percent


Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Brady—2wPrime farmland status: Prime farmland where drained

Properties and Qualities of the Brady Soil

Parent material: Loamy outwash over sandy andgravelly outwash

Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderately rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: Moderately

rapid or rapidDepth to restrictive feature: 40 to 70 inches to strongly




months): 0.5 foot (April)Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and moderate for


BsxA—Brems-Morocco loamy sands,0 to 1 percent slopes

Setting


backslopes


The moderately well drained Brems and similar soils—50 percent

The somewhat poorly drained Morocco and similarsoils—40 percent


The well drained Osolo and similar soils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Brems—4s; Morocco—4sPrime farmland status: Not prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of the Brems Soil

Parent material: Sandy outwashDrainage class: Moderately well drained

Permeability to a depth of 40 inches: RapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 5.3 inches to a depth



months): 2.0 feet (January, February, March, April,May, October, November, December)

Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: LowHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and high for


Properties and Qualities of the Morocco Soil

Parent material: Sandy outwashDrainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: RapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 5.1 inches to a depth



months): 0.5 foot (April)Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: ModerateHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and high for concreteSurface runoff class: NegligibleSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: High

BteA—Brems loamy sand, 0 to 1 percentslopes

Setting


backslopes


The moderately well drained Brems and similar soils—80 percent

The well drained Osolo and similar soils—8 percentThe somewhat poorly drained Morocco and similar

soils—7 percent

24 Soil Survey of

The excessively drained Tyner and similar soils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Brems—4sPrime farmland status: Not prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of the Brems Soil

Parent material: Sandy outwashDrainage class: Moderately well drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: RapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 5.3 inches to a depth




Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: LowHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and high for concreteSurface runoff class: NegligibleSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: High

BuuA—Brookston loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Depressions in outwash plains and tillplains

Position on the landform: Toeslopes and footslopes


The poorly drained Brookston and similar soils—80 percent

The somewhat poorly drained Crosier and similarsoils—8 percent

The poorly drained Rensselaer and similar soils—8 percent

The poorly drained Goodell and similar soils—4 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Brookston—2wPrime farmland status: Prime farmland where drained

Properties and Qualities of theBrookston Soil

Parent material: Fine-loamy till

Drainage class: Poorly drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: ModeratePermeability below a depth of 40 inches: Moderately

slow to moderateDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 9.8 inches to a depth



months): At the surface (April, May)Frequency of ponding: Frequent (January, February,

March, April, May, December)Hydric soil status: HydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and low for concreteSurface runoff class: LowSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Low

CmbAI—Cohoctah loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes, frequently flooded, briefduration

Setting

Landform: Flood plainsPosition on the landform: Shoulders, summits, and

backslopes


The poorly drained Cohoctah and similar soils—75 percent

The poorly drained Suman and similar soils—10 percent

The moderately well drained Abscota and similarsoils—5 percent

The very poorly drained Adrian and similar soils—5 percent

The somewhat poorly drained Ceresco and similarsoils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Cohoctah—4wPrime farmland status: Prime farmland where

drained and either protected from flooding ornot frequently flooded during the growingseason

Properties and Qualities of the Cohoctah Soil

Parent material: Coarse-loamy alluviumDrainage class: Poorly drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderately rapid


Permeability below a depth of 40 inches: Moderatelyrapid or rapid

Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 10.3 inches to a depth



months): At the surface (January, February,March, April)

Frequency of flooding: Frequent (January, February,March, April, May, November, December)

Hydric soil status: HydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and low for

concreteSurface runoff class: NegligibleSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Low

CnbA—Coloma sand, 0 to 2 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Moraines and outwash plainsPosition on the landform: Backslopes, summits, and

shoulders


The somewhat excessively drained Coloma andsimilar soils—85 percent


The well drained Osolo and similar soils—5 percentThe excessively drained Tyner and similar soils—

5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Coloma—4sPrime farmland status: Not prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of the Coloma Soil

Parent material: Sandy outwashDrainage class: Somewhat excessively drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: RapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: Moderately

rapid or rapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 4.8 inches to a depth


2.0 percent

Shrink-swell potential: LowDepth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.7 feet

all yearHydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: LowHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and moderate for

concreteSurface runoff class: NegligibleSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Very high

CnbB—Coloma sand, 2 to 5 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Moraines and outwash plainsPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

backslopes




The well drained Osolo and similar soils—5 percentThe excessively drained Tyner and similar soils—

5 percent

Interpretive Groups






2.0 percentShrink-swell potential: LowDepth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.7 feet


concreteSurface runoff class: NegligibleSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Very high

26 Soil Survey of

CnbC—Coloma sand, 5 to 10 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Moraines and outwash plainsPosition on the landform: Backslopes





The well drained Osolo and similar soils—1 percent

Interpretive Groups








concreteSurface runoff class: Very lowSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Very high

CnbD—Coloma sand, 10 to 18 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Moraines and outwash plainsPosition on the landform: Backslopes





Interpretive Groups








concreteSurface runoff class: Very lowSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Very high

CrrA—Coupee silt loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes

Setting


backslopes


The well drained Coupee and similar soils—85 percentThe somewhat poorly drained Auten and similar

soils—5 percentThe well drained Door and similar soils—5 percentThe well drained Tracy and similar soils—5 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Coupee—2sPrime farmland status: Prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of the Coupee Soil

Parent material: Loamy outwashDrainage class: Well drained


Permeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderate to rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: 30 to 40 inches to strongly




all yearHydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: ModerateHazard of corrosion: Moderate for steel and high for


CvdA—Crosier loam, 0 to 1 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Till plainsPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

backslopes




The somewhat poorly drained Selfridge and similarsoils—5 percent

The moderately well drained Williamstown and similarsoils—3 percent

The somewhat poorly drained Baugo and similarsoils—2 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Crosier—2wPrime farmland status: Prime farmland where drained

Properties and Qualities of the Crosier Soil



of 60 inches

Content of organic matter in the surface layer: 1.0 to3.0 percent

Shrink-swell potential: ModeratePerched seasonal high water table is highest (depth,

months): 0.5 foot (March, April)Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: HighHazard of corrosion: High for steel and low for

concreteSurface runoff class: MediumSusceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Low

CvdB—Crosier loam, 1 to 4 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Till plainsPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

backslopes




The somewhat poorly drained Selfridge and similarsoils—5 percent

The well drained Riddles and similar soils—4 percentThe somewhat poorly drained Baugo and similar

soils—1 percent

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Crosier—2ePrime farmland status: Prime farmland where drained

Properties and Qualities of the Crosier Soil





months): 0.5 foot (March, April)Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: High

28 Soil Survey of

Hazard of corrosion: High for steel and low forconcrete

Surface runoff class: MediumSusceptibility to water erosion: ModerateSusceptibility to wind erosion: Low

CwkA—Crumstown fine sandy loam,0 to 1 percent slopes

Setting

Landform: Ground morainesPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

backslopes


The well drained Crumstown and similar soils—80 percent


The moderately well drained Bronson and similarsoils—7 percent


Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Crumstown—3sPrime farmland status: Prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of theCrumstown Soil

Parent material: Loamy and/or sandy outwashDrainage class: Well drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderately rapid

or rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesAvailable water capacity: About 5.5 inches to a depth




Hydric soil status: Not hydricPotential for frost action: ModerateHazard of corrosion: Low for steel and high for

concreteSurface runoff class: Very low

Susceptibility to water erosion: LowSusceptibility to wind erosion: Moderately high

CwkB—Crumstown fine sandy loam,1 to 5 percent slopes

Setting

Landform: Ground morainesPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

backslopes


The well drained Crumstown and similar soils—80 percent


The moderately well drained Bronson and similarsoils—7 percent


Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: Crumstown—3ePrime farmland status: Prime farmland

Properties and Qualities of theCrumstown Soil

Parent material: Loamy and/or sandy outwashDrainage class: Well drainedPermeability to a depth of 40 inches: Moderately rapid

or rapidPermeability below a depth of 40 inches: RapidDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80

inchesAvailable water capacity: About 5.5 inches to a depth

of 60 inchesContent of organ

Soil Survey of St. Joseph County, IndianaDetailed Soil Maps The detailed soil maps can be useful in...

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Transcript of Soil Survey of St. Joseph County, IndianaDetailed Soil Maps The detailed soil maps can be useful in...