Guernsey 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 Guernsey County, Ohio.
| 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 |
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.