Montgomery County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Miamian, on about 23% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Brookston and Celina come next.
About 50% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 39% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 62% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 4% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Montgomery County, Ohio, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Montgomery 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookston silty clay loam, fine texture, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Urban land complex, undulating | 21K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox, loam surface-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ross silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crosby-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston silt loam, fine subsoil, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian, silt loam surface-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Miamian clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Urban land complex, rolling | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ross-Urban land complex | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Medway silt loam | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston, fine subsoil-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% 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 94% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.