Jackson County, Ohio

Survey Area OH079• Ohio

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Jackson 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
Latham-Wharton silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	34K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rarden-Wharton silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	21K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Latham association, steep	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Omulga silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley-Latham association, steep	12K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Clymer silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Clymer loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Omulga silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley-Clymer association, steep	11K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Brownsville-Shelocta association, steep	10K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley-Latham complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Piopolis silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley-Rock outcrop association, very steep	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Doles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Orrville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Stokly-Philo silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Piopolis silt loam, frequently flooded	3K	Very poorly 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.

Ultisols

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

Entisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 94% 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.