The somewhat poorly drained Iva soils are typically on nearly level areas between loess hills. The potential for surface runoff is low to very high. Permeability is moderate. Most nearly level to sloping areas are used to grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and legume-grass mixtures for hay and pasture. Steeper areas are used for permanent pasture or woodland.
Native vegetation is forest.
Maple, yellow-poplar, oak, and hickory are the dominant species. Alford soils are of large extent, and dominantly within MLRA's 114 and 115. Pike County, Indiana, 1930. Characterization data from the Agricultural Experiment Station, Purdue University is on file for several pedons from Indiana. The typical pedon is soil survey sample number S77IN83-11.