Fairfield County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.