Portage County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Portage County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahoning silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canfield silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Remsen silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trumbull silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holly silt loam | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ravenna silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebring silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chili loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ellsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rittman silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Remsen silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ravenna silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Geeburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wooster silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Damascus loam | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 96% 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.