Champaign County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Crosby, on about 19% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Miami and Brookston come next.
About 24% of the land drains well, and 46% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 56% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Champaign 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Champaign 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosby silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston silty clay loam, fine texture, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lippincott silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Algiers silt loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Warsaw silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sloan silt loam | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Homer silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian clay loam, shallow to dense till substratum, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patton silty clay loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | 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 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 99% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.