Morgan 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 Morgan County, Ohio.
| 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 |
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.