Jefferson County, Ohio

Survey Area OH081• Ohio

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Jefferson 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
Westmoreland-Lowell complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Lowell silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland-Berks complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Morristown silty clay loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, reclaimed	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton-Summitville complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Lowell silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Coshocton silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Berks-Guernsey complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Morristown channery silty clay loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, unreclaimed, highwall	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Morristown silty clay loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, reclaimed	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Coshocton silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lowell silty clay loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton-Westmoreland complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell silty clay loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Steinsburg-Rigley variant fine sandy loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton-Westmoreland complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Berks-Guernsey complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Morristown channery silty clay loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, unreclaimed	4K	Well drained	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.

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.

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 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. 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.