Fairfield County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Amanda, on about 16% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Centerburg and Bennington come next.
About 41% of the land drains well, and 29% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 53% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% 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 12% 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 Fairfield 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/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 Fairfield 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centerburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bennington silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amanda silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marengo clay loam | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cardington silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amanda silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Centerburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo silty clay loam, low carbonate till, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Berks complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aetna silt loam, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Germano sandy loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amanda silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amanda silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Homewood-Gilpin complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cardington silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bennington silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gallman silt loam, loamy substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Patton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 94% 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.