Mercer 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 Mercer County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pewamo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 83K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount silt loam, ground moraine, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 67K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount silt loam, ground moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount silt loam, end moraine, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glynwood silt loam, ground moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood silt loam, end moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minster silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minster silty clay loam, till substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount silt loam, end moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood clay loam, ground moraine, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saranac-Spencerville silty clay loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saranac silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood silt loam, end moraine, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millgrove silty clay loam | 2K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McGary silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% 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 96% 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.