Ross County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Cruze, on about 14% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Miamian and Shelocta come next.
About 56% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 80% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 10% 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 Ross 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 (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Ross 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruze silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Cruze-Weikert association, steep | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Brownsville association, very steep | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gessie silt loam, occasionally flooded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kokomo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cruze silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eldean loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clifty silt loam, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Negley loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rossmoyne silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miamian silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ross silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cana silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rossmoyne-Cana complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosby silt loam, Southern Ohio Till Plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, 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
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.