Adams County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Adams County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Muse-Colyer association, steep | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Berks association, very steep | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brushcreek-Lawshe complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 31K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bratton-Opequon complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jessup silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jonesboro-Rossmoyne silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden flaggy silty clay loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bratton silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Muse association, hilly | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jessup silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shelocta-Berks association, steep | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Opequon silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Brownsville association, very steep | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Opequon silty clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | 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 shallow bedrock, steep slopes, 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.