Belmont 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 Belmont County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell-Westmoreland silt loams, benched, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Westmoreland silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Westmoreland silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Westmoreland silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fairpoint silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, reclaimed | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morristown silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, reclaimed | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Westmoreland silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell silt loam, moderately wet, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fairpoint silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, reclaimed | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lowell silt loam, moderately wet, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hartshorn silt loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morristown silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, reclaimed | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morristown silty clay loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, reclaimed | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint silt loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, reclaimed | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% 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 89% 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.