Pickaway County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Miamian, on about 18% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Kokomo and Crosby come next.
About 47% of the land drains well, and 41% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 59% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 70% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Pickaway County, Ohio, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Pickaway 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kokomo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 56K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 53K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Lewisburg silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Kendallville silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Celina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Westland silty clay loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian-Lewisburg silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ross loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Warsaw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Eldean loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Corwin silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cardington silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Eldean loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Warsaw loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Eldean-Kendallville loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stonelick sandy loam | 3K | Well drained | A | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% 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 98% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.