Monroe County, Ohio

Survey Area OH111• Ohio

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Monroe 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
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 18 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded	43K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Westmoreland silt loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Westmoreland silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes, moderately eroded	26K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey-Westmore silt loams, 18 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Westmoreland silt loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey-Westmore silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes, moderately eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, very steep, benched	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland-Woodsfield silt loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chagrin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Zanesville-Woodsfield silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey-Upshur complex, 18 to 70 percent slopes, landslip	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Westmoreland silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin and Dekalb very stony soils, 35 to 70 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey-Westmore silt loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wellston silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hartshorn silt loam	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Ultisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 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.