Morgan County, Ohio

Survey Area OH115• 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 Morgan 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, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	27K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Westgate silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	25K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lowell-Gilpin complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey-Upshur complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	22K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland-Guernsey complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Gilpin complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elba silty clay loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Westgate silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Westmoreland-Guernsey complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lobdell silt loam, channery substratum, occasionally flooded	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kinnick-Lindside silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nolin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland-Guernsey complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Morristown channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, unreclaimed	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Morristown channery silt loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, unreclaimed, highwall	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brookside silty clay loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes	3K	Moderately 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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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 86% 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.