Gallia County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Gallia County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilpin-Upshur-Steinsburg association, steep | 44K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rarden-Steinsburg association, steep | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg-Clymer association, steep | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Rarden association, steep | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Upshur association, very steep | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guernsey-Gilpin association, steep | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omulga silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Rarden complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rarden-Gilpin silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rarden-Gilpin silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gallipolis silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Upshur complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monongahela loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | 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, 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.