Defiance County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Hoytville, on about 14% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Latty and Paulding come next.
About 3% of the land drains well, and 88% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 89% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% 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 Defiance 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 Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Defiance 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latty silty clay, till substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 37K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paulding clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 32K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoytville silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 25K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roselms silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoytville clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fulton silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenawee silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haskins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoytville clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mermill loam | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nappanee loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fulton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toledo silty clay loam | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roselms loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nappanee silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shoals silt loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kibbie loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat 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 95% 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. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.