Brown County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Brown County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clermont silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 68K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jonesboro-Rossmoyne silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 64K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westboro-Schaffer silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rossmoyne silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnell silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden flaggy silt loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pate silty clay, 25 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden flaggy silt loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood-Lowell silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jessup silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnell silt loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loudon silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blanchester silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jessup silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Westboro-Schaffer silt loams, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rossmoyne-Bonnell complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williamsburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.