Muskingum County, Ohio

Survey Area OH119• Ohio

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Muskingum 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
Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Berks-Westmoreland complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Coshocton-Westmoreland silt loams, 25 to 40 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Coshocton silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey-Upshur silty clay loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 25 to 40 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wellston silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Newark silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Coshocton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Gilpin complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Aaron silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley-Coshocton complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Zanesville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey-Upshur silty clay loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Berks channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Keene silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	7K	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.

Inceptisols

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

Ultisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, 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.