Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steinsburg-Shelocta association, very steep | 63K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur-Steinsburg association, steep | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Latham association, steep | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kanawha silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Rock outcrop association, very steep | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkinsville-Urban land complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Elkinsville silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Latham-Steinsburg complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuba silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morristown channery silty clay loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, unreclaimed | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pope-Stokly silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rarden-Gilpin silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg-Clymer association, steep | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kanawha silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.