Perry 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 Perry County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guernsey-Westmoreland silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guernsey-Westmoreland silt loams, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Guernsey silt loams, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guernsey-Westmoreland silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Homewood-Westmoreland silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Centerburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda channery silt loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, unreclaimed, highwall | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Newark silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Killbuck silt loam, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Homewood-Westmoreland silt loams, 25 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda-Pits, surface mine complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes, unreclaimed | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amanda silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 93% 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.