Hocking County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Hocking County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dekalb-Shelocta-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 31K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Berks complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Cruze silt loams, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Cruze silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston-Cruze silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shelocta silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cedarfalls-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston-Guernsey silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orrville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% 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 91% 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.