Pike County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Shelocta, on about 19% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Brownsville and Rarden come next.
About 61% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 39% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 91% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 56% of it.
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 Pike 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 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 Pike 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Brownsville association, steep | 81K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trappist-Shelocta association, steep | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Latham association, steep | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omulga silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Wharton silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Rigley association, steep | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coolville silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coolville-Blairton association, rolling | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rarden silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blairton-Rarden-Gilpin association, rolling | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifty silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilsit silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rarden silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omulga silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omulga silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fox loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not 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 91% 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 97% 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.