Soil survey area

Richland County, Ohio

Survey Area OH139• Ohio

The short version

The most common soil here is Bennington, on about 15% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Wooster and Centerburg come next.

About 32% of the land drains well, and 36% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 62% of it.

USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 93% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.

Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% 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 ground underfoot

The soils you're most likely standing on

The biggest named soils in Richland County, Ohio, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.

Bennington

15% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · somewhat poorly drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Wooster

11% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Centerburg

7% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · moderately well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Canfield

7% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · moderately well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Rittman

6% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · moderately well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Loudonville

5% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

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 Somewhat poorly 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 Richland 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
Bennington silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	37K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canfield silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Centerburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rittman silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pewamo silty clay loam, low carbonate till, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bennington silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wooster silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wooster silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Luray silty clay loam	7K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wooster silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Loudonville silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Loudonville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wooster silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents	6K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Condit silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lobdell silt loam	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lordstown silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lordstown and Loudonville silt loams, 18 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cardington silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 93% 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 97% 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.

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