Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, Ohio.
| 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 |
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.