Ottawa County, Ohio

Survey Area OH123• Ohio

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Ottawa 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
Toledo silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	57K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nappanee silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	33K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	27K			Not rated	Not rated
Hoytville silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	20K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Toledo silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, flooded	12K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Castalia very stony fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lenawee silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
St. Clair silty clay loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Latty silty clay, till substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes	3K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pits, quarry	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Kibbie fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents, gently sloping	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Milton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bono silty clay	2K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Haskins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colwood loam	2K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wabasha silty clay, frequently flooded	2K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Del Rey silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Genesee silt loam, frequently flooded	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rawson loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	882	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 82% 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 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.