Lorain County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Lorain County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahoning silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 89K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning-Tiro silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miner silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trumbull silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haskins loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orrville silt loam | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning-Tiro silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fitchville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobdell silt loam | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitiwanga silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allis silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luray silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lorain silty clay loam | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miner silty clay loam, shale substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mermill loam | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fitchville silt loam, low terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.