Monroe County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Monroe County, Ohio.
| 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 |
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.