Greene County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Miamian, on about 22% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ragsdale and Brookston come next.
About 45% of the land drains well, and 36% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 42% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 63% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% 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 Greene 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 Greene 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ragsdale silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston silty clay loam, fine texture, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reesville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell-Miamian silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xenia silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sloan silty clay loam | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Urban land complex, undulating | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Westland silty clay loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fincastle silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ockley silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ross loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russell-Miamian silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Eldean silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not 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 63% 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 92% 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.