Butler County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Wynn, on about 13% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Miamian and Russell come next.
About 68% of the land drains well, and 10% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 55% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Butler County, Ohio, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Butler County, Ohio. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wynn silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell-Miamian silt loams, bedrock substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wynn silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell-Miamian silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, bedrock substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eldean-Urban land complex, nearly level | 8K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Genesee loam | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Russell silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin-Miamian silt loams, 18 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell-Urban land complex, gently sloping | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Russell silt loams, bedrock substratum, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wynn-Urban land complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lanier fine sandy loam | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ross loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hennepin-Miamian silt loams, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% 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 91% 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.