Athens County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Athens County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, benched, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Westmoreland complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Upshur complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia-Brookside complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Upshur complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg sandy loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Upshur complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guernsey-Upshur complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Westmoreland complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guernsey silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookside silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinnick-Lindside silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Westmoreland silt loams, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Omulga silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.