Guernsey County, Ohio

Survey Area OH059• Ohio

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 Guernsey 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
Westmoreland silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey-Upshur complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	22K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton channery loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, stony	17K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Westmoreland-Berks complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Clarksburg channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Berks channery silt loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Newark silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindside silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Westmoreland silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey-Upshur complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Westmoreland silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb channery loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Zanesville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sarahsville silty clay loam, frequently flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Aaron-Upshur complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb channery loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, very stony	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C/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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, 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.