Highland County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Miamian, on about 9% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Clermont and Rossmoyne come next.
About 39% of the land drains well, and 29% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 50% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 80% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 7% 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 Highland 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 Moderately well 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 Highland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clermont silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jonesboro-Rossmoyne silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westboro-Schaffer silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina-Xenia silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haubstadt silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boston-Bratton complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rossmoyne silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Russell silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Algiers silt loam | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westboro-Schaffer silt loams, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jonesboro-Rossmoyne silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haubstadt silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hickory silt loam, Illinoian Till Plain, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eel silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby-Fincastle silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boston-Bratton complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston silty clay loam, fine-silty, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Very 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 80% 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 96% 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.