Holmes County, Ohio

Survey Area OH075• 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 Holmes 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
Coshocton silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	27K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Coshocton silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	24K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wooster silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Canfield silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Orrville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wooster silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wooster silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brownsville channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Coshocton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brownsville channery silt loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Chili loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Canfield silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Berks silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Berks silt loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Amanda loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lobdell silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coshocton silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chili loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Brownsville channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

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 79% 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.