 The lush landscapes of Southern Ohio owe much of their fertility to the diverse array of soil types found in the region. From the rolling hills of the Appalachian Plateau to the fertile valleys along the Ohio River, Southern Ohio boasts a variety of soils that have nurtured agricultural endeavors and supported vibrant ecosystems for centuries. In this article, I will explore the different soil types in Southern Ohio, highlighting their characteristics, distribution, and significance in shaping the region's agricultural practices.
The glaciated regions of Southern Ohio are predominantly characterized by glacial till soils. Formed as the result of the movement of glaciers during the last ice age, these soils are a mixture of clay, silt, sand, and small rocks. They tend to be well-drained, fertile, and suitable for a wide range of crops. Glacial till soils, such as Miamian and Crosby silt loams, are commonly found in the rolling hills and uplands of Southern Ohio. The unique karst landscapes feature soils formed on limestone bedrock. These soils are typically shallow, stony, and exhibit excellent drainage characteristics. Karst soils, such as the Leesburg, Miami, and Westland series, are prevalent in the karst regions of Adams, Highland, and Pike counties. Despite their shallow nature, these soils can support certain crops and vegetation, especially when supplemented with organic matter and careful soil management practices. The Ohio River and its tributaries have played a vital role in shaping the fertile valleys of Southern Ohio. Alluvial soils, formed through the deposition of sediments carried by rivers, are highly productive and well-suited for agriculture. These soils are characterized by their fine texture, high organic matter content, and excellent moisture retention capabilities. The Ohio River floodplain and its associated terraces feature alluvial soils such as the Crosby, Falmouth, and Rossmoyne series, which have supported thriving agricultural activities for generations. The Appalachian Plateau region of Southern Ohio showcases a distinct set of soil types influenced by the underlying shale and sandstone bedrock. These soils, such as the Luton and Hocking series, often exhibit shallow depths and poorer drainage compared to other soil types in the region. Despite these limitations, they offer potential for certain vegetation, including hardwood forests and native grasses. Loess soils, a wind-blown sediment deposited during the last ice age, can be found in pockets throughout Southern Ohio. These soils are typically deep, well-drained, and highly fertile, making them excellent for agriculture. The loess soils of the region, such as the Kokomo and Ripley series, have been a boon for crop production, particularly corn and soybeans. The diverse soil types found in Southern Ohio are a testament to the region's geological history and contribute significantly to its agricultural productivity and natural beauty. From the glacial till soils of the uplands to the alluvial soils along the river valleys, each soil type has its unique characteristics and agricultural potential. Farmers, gardeners, and environmentalists alike have harnessed the richness of these soils to support their livelihoods and preserve the region's natural heritage. Understanding the composition and distribution of these soil types is essential for sustainable land use practices and fostering a harmonious relationship between human activities and the environment in Southern Ohio.
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 Ohio's farmland market is ablaze with excitement as key factors converge to create a landscape of increasing land values. The stage is set for a captivating journey filled with high crop prices, government support, and enticing interest rates. While minor fluctuations in crop prices and rising production costs may temper profit margins in the near future, the forecast remains optimistic for farmland values, promising a journey of growth throughout this year and beyond. As we explore the Ohio farmland market, let's delve into the intriguing data and insightful surveys that shed light on this fascinating landscape.
The United States Department of Agriculture's National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) August Land Values 2021 Summary reveals a noteworthy surge in Ohio's farm real estate, with a remarkable 3.9% increase from 2020, reaching an average value of $6,600 per acre in 2021. The value of Ohio cropland, encompassing bare cropland, also witnessed an impressive rise of 5.3% from the previous year, averaging $6,800 per acre. Pastureland in Ohio joined the upward trend, experiencing a 2.1% increase to reach $3,440 per acre in 2021. As the market gains momentum, the average cash rents in Ohio climbed by 2.6% in 2021, settling at $160 per acre. To gain further insights, the Ohio State University Extension conducted the Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents Survey. This comprehensive study, conducted between January and April 2021, sought the opinions of various industry professionals, including rural appraisers, agricultural lenders, farm managers, and more. Their expertise contributed to an in-depth analysis of Ohio's cropland values and rental rates. Across the state, the varying production capabilities of Ohio's cropland translate into a diverse range of values and rents. Factors such as soil quality, fertility, drainage, and irrigation capacity shape land productivity, crop returns, and the volatility of those returns, ultimately influencing market dynamics. Beyond these intrinsic factors, additional elements impact land values and rental rates. Considerations such as field size, shape, and accessibility, market access, local price dynamics, field characteristics, buildings and storage facilities, previous cultivation practices, weed populations, USDA Program Yields, population density, and competition for cropland all play a part. Meanwhile, rental rates are also influenced by lease conditions and services provided by the operator. According to the Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents Survey, conducted by the Ohio State University Extension, western Ohio is poised for further growth. Cropland values in this region are anticipated to rise by 3.8% to 5.3% in 2021, depending on the specific location and land class. Similarly, cash rents are projected to increase between 3.6% and 3.9%, once again varying based on the region and land class. While these surveys offer valuable insights, recent farmland sales suggest that the actual increase in land values may surpass the projected figures. With soaring crop prices and optimistic yield predictions, Ohio's farmland market remains robust, invigorated by the collective strength of its key drivers.  Agriculture plays a vital role in sustaining communities and economies worldwide. In the United States, farming is not just a way of life; it's a significant sector that contributes to the nation's food security and economic stability. To support and protect agricultural land, many states have implemented specialized programs, and one such initiative is the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program in Ohio. In this blog post, we will delve into the CAUV program, its objectives, benefits, and how it impacts farmers and rural communities in Ohio.
The Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program is a property tax assessment program in Ohio specifically designed for agricultural land. It was enacted in 1974 to address the issue of rising property taxes, which posed a significant threat to farming operations. The primary goal of the CAUV program is to assess agricultural land at its current use value, rather than its potential market value for development purposes. The CAUV program assesses agricultural land based on its income-producing capability from agricultural activities, such as crop production, livestock raising, and timber cultivation. It considers factors such as soil types, yields, production costs, and commodity prices. By focusing on the land's agricultural value rather than its market value, the program ensures that farmers are not burdened with excessive property taxes that could force them out of business. |
AuthorJared M. Williams is a licensed real estate broker who specializes in rural property sales throughout Ohio. Archives
July 2024
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Kimpton E. Williams & Jared M. Williams | Brokers
Kimpton E. Williams & Jared M. Williams | Brokers