Erie County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Bennington, on about 6% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Pewamo and Kibbie come next.
About 12% of the land drains well, and 62% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 65% of it.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 83% 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, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 16% 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 Erie 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 Somewhat poorly 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 Erie 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pewamo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bennington silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kibbie fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Del Rey silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elnora loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colwood loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Toledo silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allis clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hornell silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mermill silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jimtown loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haskins loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bixler loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tuscola fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millgrove loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orrville silt loam, bedrock substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | 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 83% 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 88% 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.