Lawrence County, Ohio

Survey Area OH087• 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 Lawrence 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
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

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.

Ultisols

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

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 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.