Fairfield County, Ohio

Survey Area OH045• Ohio

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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 77% 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 100% 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.