Soil Survey of Fairfield County, Ohio - USDA · General Soil Map The general soil map, which is a color map, shows the survey area divided into groups of associated soils called general

United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

NaturalResourcesConservationService

In cooperation with OhioDepartment of NaturalResources, Division of Soiland Water Conservation;Ohio Agricultural Researchand Development Center;Ohio State UniversityExtension; Fairfield Soiland Water ConservationDistrict; and FairfieldCounty Commissioners

Soil Survey ofFairfield County,Ohio

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is committed to making itsinformation accessible to all of its customers and employees. If you are experiencingaccessibility issues and need assistance, please contact our Helpdesk by phone at1-800-457-3642 or by e-mail at [email protected]. For assistancewith publications that include maps, graphs, or similar forms of information, you mayalso wish to contact our State or local office. You can locate the correct office andphone number at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.

NRCS Accessibility Statement

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General Soil Map

The general soil map, which is a color map, shows the survey area divided into groups of associated soils calledgeneral soil map units. This map is useful in planning the use and management of large areas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the map, identify the name of the map unit in thearea on the color-coded map legend, then refer to the section General Soil Map Units for a general description ofthe soils in your area.

Detailed Soil Maps

The detailed soil maps can be useful in planning the use andmanagement of small areas.

To find information about your areaof interest, locate that area on theIndex to Map Sheets. Note thenumber of the map sheet and turnto that sheet.

Locate your area of interest onthe map sheet. Note the map unitsymbols that are in that area. Turnto the Contents, which lists themap units by symbol and nameand shows the page where eachmap unit is described.

The Contents shows which tablehas data on a specific land use foreach detailed soil map unit. Alsosee the Contents for sections ofthis publication that may addressyour specific needs.

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How To Use This Soil Survey

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Additional information about the Nation’s natural resources is available on theNatural Resources Conservation Service homepage on the World Wide Web. Theaddress is http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effortof the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, Stateagencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. TheNatural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) hasleadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 1995. Soil names anddescriptions were approved in 1998. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in thispublication refer to conditions in the survey area in 1995. This survey was madecooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Ohio Department ofNatural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation; the Ohio AgriculturalResearch and Development Center; Ohio State University Extension; the Fairfield Soiland Water Conservation District; and the Fairfield County Commissioners. The survey ispart of the technical assistance furnished to the Fairfield Soil and Water ConservationDistrict.

Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of thesemaps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged,maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at alarger scale.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all ofits programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability,political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited basesapply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means forcommunication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) shouldcontact the USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice or TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal employmentopportunity provider and employer.

Cover: An autumn view near Beck’s Knob, a unique landform in the county. The pastured areaconsists of Amanda soils. The corn is in an area of Aetna and Westland soils, and the woodland is inan area of Cedarfalls and Loudonville soils.

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Contents

How To Use This Soil Survey ................................. 3Foreword ............................................................... 11General Nature of the County ................................. 13

Climate ............................................................... 13Physiography, Relief, and Drainage .................... 14Bedrock Geology ................................................ 16Glacial Geology .................................................. 17

How This Survey Was Made ................................... 18Survey Procedures ............................................. 20

General Soil Map Units ........................................ 231. Bennington-Cardington-Pewamo

Association ........................................... 232. Cardington-Bennington Association ........... 243. Amanda-Centerburg Association ............... 254. Centerburg-Marengo-Bennington

Association ........................................... 265. Miamian-Kokomo-Celina Association ......... 266. Miamian-Celina-Crosby Association .......... 277. Gessie-Aetna Association .......................... 288. Newark-Lindside-Chagrin Association ....... 289. Ockley-Fox Association .............................. 29

10. Patton-Aetna Association ........................... 2911. Hickory-Cincinnati Association ................... 3012. Shelocta-Berks-Gilpin Association ............. 3013. Germano-Gilpin-Shelocta Association ....... 3114. Alford-Cincinnati-Homewood

Association ........................................... 32Detailed Soil Map Units ........................................ 33

AfB—Alford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ........ 34AfC2—Alford silt loam, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, eroded ............................................. 35Ag—Aetna silt loam, occasionally flooded .......... 36Ah—Aetna silt loam, fan, occasionally

flooded ......................................................... 37AmB—Amanda silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes .......................................................... 38AmB2—Amanda silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes, eroded ............................................. 39AmC2—Amanda silt loam, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, eroded ............................................. 40AmD2—Amanda silt loam, 12 to 20 percent

slopes, eroded ............................................. 42AmE2—Amanda silt loam, 20 to 35 percent

slopes, eroded ............................................. 43

AoC3—Amanda silty clay loam, 6 to 12percent slopes, severely eroded .................. 45

AoD3—Amanda silty clay loam, 12 to 20percent slopes, severely eroded .................. 46

ApB2—Amanda-Loudonville complex, 2 to 6percent slopes, eroded ................................ 47

ApC2—Amanda-Loudonville complex, 6 to12 percent slopes, eroded ........................... 49

ApD2—Amanda-Loudonville complex, 12 to20 percent slopes, eroded ........................... 51

ArC2—Amanda-Ockley complex, 6 to 12percent slopes, eroded ................................ 54

ArD2—Amanda-Ockley complex, 12 to 20percent slopes, eroded ................................ 56

Bb—Beaucoup silty clay loam, occasionallyflooded ......................................................... 58

BeA—Bennington silt loam, 0 to 2 percentslopes .......................................................... 59

BeB—Bennington silt loam, 2 to 6 percentslopes .......................................................... 60

BkF—Berks channery silt loam, 40 to 70percent slopes ............................................. 62

CaB—Cardington silt loam, 2 to 6 percentslopes .......................................................... 63

CaB2—Cardington silt loam, 2 to 6 percentslopes, eroded ............................................. 64

CaC2—Cardington silt loam, 6 to 12 percentslopes, eroded ............................................. 65

CaD2—Cardington silt loam, 12 to 20percent slopes, eroded ................................ 66

Cb—Carlisle muck ............................................. 67CdF—Cedarfalls-Rock outcrop complex,

40 to 70 percent slopes ................................ 68CeB—Celina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes .......................................................... 70CfB—Centerburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes .......................................................... 71CfB2—Centerburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes, eroded ............................................. 72CfC2—Centerburg silt loam, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, eroded ............................................. 73Cg—Chagrin silt loam, frequently flooded .......... 74CkC2—Cincinnati silt loam, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, eroded ............................................. 75

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CmC2—Cincinnati-Wellston complex, 6 to 12percent slopes, eroded ................................ 77

Cn—Condit silt loam........................................... 79CoB—Corwin silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ..... 80CrA—Crosby silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes ..... 81CsA—Canal silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes....... 83Ee—Eel silt loam, gravelly substratum,

occasionally flooded..................................... 84EkA—Eldean silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes ..... 85EkB—Eldean silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ..... 86EnC2—Eldean gravelly loam, 6 to 12

percent slopes, eroded ................................ 87Eu—Euclid silt loam, rarely flooded .................... 88FbA—Fitchville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent

slopes .......................................................... 89FhA—Fox loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes................ 90FhB—Fox loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes................ 91FhC2—Fox loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

eroded ......................................................... 92FhD2—Fox loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

eroded ......................................................... 94FmA—Fox silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes ......... 95FmB—Fox silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ......... 96GaB—Gallman silt loam, loamy substratum,

2 to 6 percent slopes.................................... 97GcD—Germano sandy loam, 15 to 25

percent slopes ............................................. 98GcE—Germano sandy loam, 25 to 40

percent slopes ............................................. 99GdF—Germano-Rock outcrop complex,

40 to 70 percent slopes .............................. 100Gf—Gessie silt loam, occasionally flooded ....... 101Gg—Gessie silt loam, frequently flooded ......... 103GkC—Gilpin silt loam, 6 to 15 percent

slopes ........................................................ 104GkD—Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent

slopes ........................................................ 105GnB—Glenford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes ........................................................ 106GnC2—Glenford silt loam, 6 to 15 percent

slopes, eroded ........................................... 107HhC2—Hickory silt loam, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, eroded ........................................... 109HkE—Hickory-Germano complex, 20 to 35

percent slopes ........................................... 110

HmD2—Hickory-Gilpin complex, 12 to 20percent slopes, eroded .............................. 112

HnC2—Homewood silt loam, 6 to 12percent slopes, eroded .............................. 114

HoD2—Homewood-Gilpin complex, 12 to20 percent slopes, eroded ......................... 115

HoE2—Homewood-Gilpin complex, 20 to35 percent slopes, eroded ......................... 118

JeB—Jeneva silt loam, 2 to 6 percentslopes ........................................................ 120

Km—Kokomo silt loam, overwash .................... 121Ko—Kokomo silty clay loam ............................. 122Lk—Lindside silt loam, occasionally flooded..... 123LtC2—Loudonville-Steinsburg complex,

6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ................... 124LtD2—Loudonville-Steinsburg complex,

12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded ................. 126LtE—Loudonville-Steinsburg complex,

20 to 35 percent slopes .............................. 128LtF—Loudonville-Steinsburg complex, 35

to 70 percent slopes .................................. 130Ma—Marengo clay loam................................... 132Mb—Marengo silt loam, overwash ................... 134McB—McGary silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes ........................................................ 135Me—Medway silt loam, occasionally

flooded ....................................................... 136MkB2—Miamian silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes, eroded ........................................... 137MkC2—Miamian silt loam, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, eroded ........................................... 138MmC3—Miamian-Thrifton complex, 6 to 12

percent slopes, severely eroded ................ 140MmD3—Miamian-Thrifton complex, 12 to

20 percent slopes, severely eroded ........... 142Mo—Montgomery silty clay loam...................... 144Mr—Muskego muck ......................................... 146NaD2—Negley loam, 12 to 20 percent

slopes, eroded ........................................... 147NaE—Negley loam, 20 to 35 percent

slopes ........................................................ 148Ne—Newark silt loam, occasionally

flooded ....................................................... 149OcA—Ockley silt loam, 0 to 2 percent

slopes ........................................................ 150

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OcB—Ockley silt loam, 2 to 6 percentslopes ........................................................ 151

Pa—Patton silty clay loam ................................ 152Pb—Patton silty clay loam, rarely flooded......... 153Pe—Pewamo silty clay loam ............................. 154Ph—Pits, quarry ............................................... 156PkB—Pike silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ....... 156PkC2—Pike silt loam, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, eroded ........................................... 157Ro—Rockmill silty clay loam ............................ 158Rp—Rockmill silty clay loam, occasionally

flooded ....................................................... 159Rt—Rossburg silt loam, occasionally

flooded ....................................................... 160Sc—Sebring silt loam, rarely flooded ................ 161SdD—Shelocta silt loam, 15 to 25 percent

slopes ........................................................ 162SeE—Shelocta-Berks complex, 25 to 40

percent slopes ........................................... 163SfD—Shelocta-Cruze complex, 15 to 25

percent slopes ........................................... 165SfE—Shelocta-Cruze complex, 25 to 40

percent slopes ........................................... 167Sh—Shoals silt loam, occasionally flooded ...... 169SkA—Sleeth silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes .... 170St—Stonelick sandy loam, occasionally

flooded ....................................................... 171TaC2—Tarlton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, eroded ........................................... 172ThA—Thackery silt loam, 0 to 2 percent

slopes ........................................................ 174ThB—Thackery silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes ........................................................ 175Ud—Udorthents, loamy .................................... 176Uf—Udorthents, loamy, organic substratum ..... 176Ug—Udorthents, sandy .................................... 176Um—Urban land-Aetna complex, rarely

flooded ....................................................... 176UoC—Urban land-Amanda complex, 2 to

12 percent slopes ...................................... 177UrB—Urban land-Bennington complex,

0 to 6 percent slopes.................................. 178UtC—Urban land-Cardington complex,

2 to 12 percent slopes................................ 179

UuB—Urban land-Celina complex, 0 to 6percent slopes ........................................... 180

UxB—Urban land-Ockley complex, 0 to 6percent slopes ........................................... 181

Uy—Urban land-Udorthents complex ............... 181W—Water ......................................................... 182WdA—Wea silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes ...... 182WeC—Wellston silt loam, 6 to 15 percent

slopes ........................................................ 183WfC—Wellston-Cruze complex, 8 to 15

percent slopes ........................................... 184Wg—Westland silt loam, overwash .................. 186Wk—Westland silty clay loam........................... 187ZnB—Zanesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent

slopes ........................................................ 188ZnC2—Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 15 percent

slopes, eroded ........................................... 189Important Farmlands .......................................... 191

Prime Farmland ................................................ 191Unique Farmland .............................................. 191Additional Farmland of Statewide

Importance................................................. 192Additional Farmland of Local Importance ......... 192

Hydric Soils ......................................................... 193Use and Management of the Soils .................... 195

Interpretive Ratings .......................................... 195Rating Class Terms ...................................... 195Numerical Ratings ........................................ 195

Crops and Pasture ........................................... 195Cropland Limitations and Hazards ............... 198Crop Yield Index ........................................... 200Land Capability Classification ...................... 200Pasture and Hayland Management .............. 201

Landscape Plantings, Windbreaks, andEnvironmental Plantings ............................ 203

Woodland Management and Productivity ......... 204Recreation ........................................................ 208Wildlife Habitat ................................................. 209Engineering ...................................................... 211

Construction Materials ................................. 211Building Site Development ........................... 212Sanitary Facilities ......................................... 214Agricultural Waste Management .................. 216Water Management ...................................... 217

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Soil Properties .................................................... 219Engineering Index Properties ........................... 219Physical Properties .......................................... 220Chemical Properties ......................................... 221Water Features ................................................. 221Soil Features .................................................... 223Physical and Chemical Analyses of Selected

Soils ........................................................... 223Engineering Index Test Data ........................ 223

Classification of the Soils .................................. 225Soil Series and Their Morphology ..................... 225

Aetna Series ................................................ 225Alford Series ................................................ 226Amanda Series ............................................ 227Beaucoup Series.......................................... 228Bennington Series ........................................ 229Berks Series ................................................ 231Canal Series ................................................ 231Cardington Series ........................................ 232Carlisle Series .............................................. 233Cedarfalls Series .......................................... 234Celina Series ............................................... 234Centerburg Series ........................................ 235Chagrin Series ............................................. 236Cincinnati Series .......................................... 237Condit Series ............................................... 238Corwin Series .............................................. 239Crosby Series .............................................. 240Cruze Series ................................................ 241Eel Series .................................................... 242Eldean Series .............................................. 243Euclid Series ................................................ 244Fitchville Series ............................................ 245Fox Series .................................................... 246Gallman Series ............................................ 247Germano Series ........................................... 248Gessie Series .............................................. 249Gilpin Series ................................................ 250Glenford Series ............................................ 250Hickory Series .............................................. 251Homewood Series ........................................ 252Jeneva Series .............................................. 254Kokomo Series ............................................. 255Lindside Series ............................................ 256Loudonville Series ........................................ 257

Marengo Series ........................................... 258McGary Series ............................................. 259Medway Series ............................................ 260Miamian Series ............................................ 261Montgomery Series ...................................... 262Muskego Series ........................................... 263Negley Series............................................... 263Newark Series ............................................. 265Ockley Series ............................................... 265Patton Series ............................................... 266Pewamo Series ............................................ 267Pike Series ................................................... 268Rockmill Series ............................................ 269Rossburg Series .......................................... 270Sebring Series ............................................. 270Shelocta Series ............................................ 271Shoals Series ............................................... 272Sleeth Series ............................................... 273Steinsburg Series ......................................... 275Stonelick Series ........................................... 275Tarlton Series ............................................... 276Thackery Series ........................................... 277Thrifton Series ............................................. 278Wea Series .................................................. 279Wellston Series ............................................ 280Westland Series ........................................... 281Zanesville Series.......................................... 282

Formation of the Soils ........................................ 285Factors of Soil Formation ................................. 285

Parent Material ............................................. 285Climate ......................................................... 287Living Organisms ......................................... 287Relief ............................................................ 288Time ............................................................. 288

Processes of Soil Formation............................. 288References .......................................................... 291Glossary .............................................................. 295Tables .................................................................. 309

Table 1.—Temperature and Precipitation .......... 310Table 2.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall ........ 311Table 3.—Growing Season ............................... 311Table 4.—Acreage and Proportionate

Extent of the Soils ...................................... 312Table 5.—Prime Farmland ................................ 315Table 6.—Hydric Soils (Major Components) ..... 317

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Table 7.—Hydric Soils (Minor Components) ..... 318Table 8.—Cropland Limitations and

Hazards ..................................................... 322Table 9.—Crop Yield Index ............................... 330Table 10.—Capability Classes and

Subclasses ................................................ 335Table 11.—Pasture and Hayland Suitability

Group and Yields per Acre of Pastureand Hay ..................................................... 336

Table 12.—Windbreaks and EnvironmentalPlantings .................................................... 343

Table 13a.—Woodland Management ................ 365Table 13b.—Woodland Management ................ 375Table 13c.—Woodland Management ................ 389Table 14.—Woodland Productivity .................... 402Table 15a.—Recreational Development ............ 425Table 15b.—Recreational Development ............ 440

Table 16.—Wildlife Habitat ................................ 453Table 17a.—Construction Materials .................. 462Table 17b.—Construction Materials .................. 474Table 18a.—Building Site Development ............ 492Table 18b.—Building Site Development ............ 507Table 19a.—Sanitary Facilities ......................... 524Table 19b.—Sanitary Facilities .......................... 543Table 20.—Agricultural Waste Management ..... 558Table 21a.—Water Management ...................... 583Table 21b.—Water Management ...................... 597Table 22.—Engineering Index Properties ......... 615Table 23.—Physical Properties of the Soils ...... 662Table 24.—Chemical Properties of the Soils ..... 676Table 25.—Water Features ............................... 689Table 26.—Soil Features .................................. 699Table 27.—Classification of the Soils ................ 708

Interpretive Groups ............................................ 709

Issued 2005

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This soil survey contains information that affects land use planning in this surveyarea. It contains predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The survey alsohighlights soil limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and theimpact of selected land uses on the environment.

This soil survey is designed for many different users. Farmers, foresters, andagronomists can use it to evaluate the potential of the soil and the management neededfor maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials, engineers,developers, builders, and home buyers can use the survey to plan land use, select sitesfor construction, and identify special practices needed to ensure proper performance.Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, wildlifemanagement, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the survey to help themunderstand, protect, and enhance the environment.

Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may imposespecial restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this report isintended to identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or landtreatment decisions. Statements made in this report are intended to help the land usersidentify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner oruser is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations.

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils areseasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are shallow to bedrock. Some are toounstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils arepoorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soilpoorly suited to basements or underground installations.

These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soilsurvey. Broad areas of soils are shown on the general soil map. The location of eachsoil is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in the survey area is described, andinformation on specific uses is given. Help in using this publication and additionalinformation are available at the local office of the Natural Resources ConservationService or the Cooperative Extension Service.

Kevin BrownState ConservationistNatural Resources Conservation Service

Foreword

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY is near the center of Ohio (fig. 1). Itis bordered by Hocking County on the south, PickawayCounty on the southwest, Franklin County on thenorthwest, Licking County on the north, and PerryCounty on the east. The total area of the county is325,357 acres, or about 508 square miles.

In 1990, the population of the county was 119,182.The population of Lancaster, the county seat, was35,808 (U.S. Department of Commerce, 1990). Otherincorporated areas are Amanda, Baltimore, Bremen,Canal Winchester, Carroll, Columbus, Lithopolis,Millersport, Pickerington, Pleasantville, andReynoldsburg.

Fairfield County is served by Interstate 70 and U.S.Highways 33 and 22. State Routes 37, 159, 188, 204,256, 664, and 674 also provide access throughout thecounty. The county has one airport. Zane’s Trace, thefirst federally subsidized local road construction, ranthrough the county.

Fairfield County has a diverse economy based onthe wholesale and retail trade industry, farming andfarm-related enterprises, and manufacturing (Boyne,1979; Carter and Evans, 1983; Ramey and others,1993).

This soil survey updates the survey of FairfieldCounty published in 1960 (Meeker and others, 1960).

It provides additional information and has larger maps,which show the soils in greater detail.

General Nature of the CountyThis section provides general information about the

county. It describes climate; physiography, relief, anddrainage; bedrock geology; and glacial geology.

Climate

Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitationfor the survey area as recorded at Lancaster in theperiod from 1961 to 1990. Table 2 shows probabledates of the first freeze in fall and the last freeze inspring. Table 3 provides data on the length of thegrowing season.

In winter, the average temperature is 28 degrees Fand the average daily minimum temperature is 18.7degrees. The lowest temperature on record, whichoccurred at Lancaster on January 19, 1994, is -24degrees. In summer, the average temperature is 70.8degrees and the average daily maximum temperatureis 82.8 degrees. The highest temperature, whichoccurred at Lancaster on July 14, 1936, is 104degrees.

Soil Survey of

Fairfield County, OhioBy Stephen J. Hamilton and Matthew H. Deaton, Ohio Department of NaturalResources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, and Joseph R. Steiger,Richard J. Griffin, Gordon M. Gilmore, Doug B. Dotson, and Eleanor Brandt, NaturalResources Conservation Service

Fieldwork by Gordon M. Gilmore, Richard J. Griffin, David Libben, Joseph Steiger, andBaxter Swearengen, Natural Resources Conservation Service

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, incooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and WaterConservation; the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center; Ohio StateUniversity Extension; the Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District; and the FairfieldCounty Commissioners

14 Soil Survey of

Growing degree days are shown in table 1. Theyare equivalent to “heat units.” During the month,growing degree days accumulate by the amount thatthe average temperature each day exceeds a basetemperature (50 degrees F). The normal monthlyaccumulation is used to schedule single or successiveplantings of a crop between the last freeze in springand the first freeze in fall.

The average annual total precipitation is 36.12inches. Of this total, 20.85 inches, or about 58 percent,usually falls in April through September. The growingseason for most crops falls within this period. Theheaviest 1-day rainfall on record was 5.4 inches atLancaster on September 13, 1938. Thunderstormsoccur on about 41 days each year, and most occur inJuly.

The average seasonal snowfall is about 16 inches.The greatest snow depth at any one time during theperiod of record was 24 inches recorded on January27, 1978. On an average, 30 days per year have atleast 1 inch of snow on the ground. The heaviest1-day snowfall on record was 13 inches on April 5,1987.

The average relative humidity in midafternoon isabout 59 percent. Humidity is higher at night, and theaverage at dawn is about 80 percent. The sun shines61 percent of the time possible in summer and 36

percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from the south.Average windspeed is highest, 10.5 miles per hour, inMarch.

Physiography, Relief, and Drainage

The escarpment that marks the western edge ofthe Allegheny Plateau crosses Fairfield County in anirregular line from the northeast corner to near thesouthwest corner (fig. 2). The Central Lowlandphysiographic province lies to the northwest of theescarpment, and the Allegheny Plateau physiographicprovince lies to the southeast (Soil Survey DivisionStaff, 1993).

All of the Central Lowland and most of theAllegheny Plateau in this county have been glaciatedand covered with various thicknesses of glacial drift.The glaciation occurred in two separate stages. Thefirst deposit of drift material took place when theIllinoian continental ice sheet invaded the county, andthe second deposit of drift occurred when the LateWisconsinan ice sheet covered part of this area(Goldthwait and others, 1961; Wolfe and others, 1962).

Relief in the Central Lowlands Province is mostlyundulating. Extensive areas are nearly level. Smallareas bordering the major streams are rolling orsteeper (Goldthwait and others, 1961; Wolfe andothers, 1962). The Allegheny Plateau Province ishigher, more rugged, and more dissected than theCentral Lowland. Part of the Allegheny Plateau wasglaciated during the Late Wisconsinan glacial stage.Strongly undulating and rolling relief is characteristic ofthis region. Steep-sided ridges and knobs protrudeabove the general land level (Meeker and others,1960; Thornbury, 1969; Wolfe and others, 1962).Another part of the Allegheny Plateau, glaciatedduring the Illinoian stage, is more rugged and hasfairly numerous outcrops of sandstone.

The unglaciated part of the Allegheny Plateau westof the Hocking River, in the south-central part of thecounty, is characterized by steep, narrow, flat-toppedridges and sheer cliffs of sandstone. The unglaciatedpart of the Allegheny Plateau that is east of theHocking River also is rugged and strongly dissected,but the hills are more uniformly convex and less steepthan those west of the Hocking River.

All of the water in the county drains into theHocking, Scioto, and Muskingum River systems(fig. 3). Buckeye Lake, in the extreme northeast cornerof the county, drains into the Muskingum River system.The northern half of the county is drained by WalnutCreek, which is part of the Scioto River system. Salt

Figure 1.—Location of Fairfield County in Ohio.

Fairfield County, Ohio 15

Creek, which drains small areas in the extreme west-central and southwestern parts of the county, alsoempties into the Scioto River system. The central and

southeastern parts of the county are drained by theHocking River (Meeker and others, 1960; Stout andothers, 1943; Wolfe and others, 1962).

Figure 2.—Physiographic subdivisions of Fairfield County (Wolfe and others, 1962).

16 Soil Survey of

Bedrock Geology

Exposed bedrock in Fairfield County ranges in agefrom late Devonian or early Mississippian to earlyPennsylvanian (Wolfe and others, 1962). Because ofthe gentle eastward regional dip, the oldest bedsoutcrop only near the western border of the countyand the strata are progressively younger to the east.The stratigraphic section is composed almost entirelyof clastic rocks consisting mainly of shales, mudstone,siltstone, sandstone, and conglomerates. In ascendingorder (fig. 4), this succession includes the Ohio andOlentangy shales of late Devonian system; the

Bedford shale, Berea sandstone, and Sunbury shaleformations of Kinderhook age in the western part ofthe county; the Cuyahoga Formation of Kinderhookand Osage age, consisting dominantly of the Raccoonmember and the Black Hand member, in the centralpart of the county; the Logan Formation of Osage age,consisting of the Berne, Byer, and Allensvillemembers, the Rushville Formation, the CuyahogaFormation, and the Maxville limestone of Meramecage in the northern and eastern parts of the county(making up the Mississippian system); and theAllegheny and Pottsville groups of the Pennsylvaniansystem on ridgetops in the southeastern part of the

Figure 3.—Major lines of drainage in Fairfield County (Wolfe and others, 1962).


county (Goldthwait and others, 1961; Meeker andothers, 1960; Slucher and others; Wolfe and others,1962).

Glacial Geology

Several glaciations passed over parts of the countyduring the Pleistocene epoch. Generally, the icesheets advanced from the northwest. These glaciatedareas are covered by till of both the Wisconsinan andthe Illinoian ages (Goldthwait and others, 1961; Wolfeand others, 1962).

The earlier glaciation, called the Illinoian, coveredall but the southern part of Berne Township and theeastern part of Madison Township. The later glaciation,

called the Wisconsinan, did not penetrate so farsouthward. The outer boundary of Illinoian glaciationextends beyond the limit of the Wisconsinan ice sheet.Southward through the Illinoian glaciated area, thereare penetrations of both Wisconsinan and Illinoianoutwash. Thus, the Illinoian glaciated area is acomparatively narrow belt between the LateWisconsinan glacial boundary to the northwest andthe unglaciated part of the county to the southeast.The glaciation and deposition of till tended to reducethe contrast between the Central Lowland and theAllegheny Plateau physiographic provinces. Unevendeposits of till gave the till plain of the Central Lowlanda billowy topography, but the Allegheny Plateau wassmoothed out somewhat as the glaciers scraped the

Figure 4.—Bedrock geology of Fairfield County (Slucher and others).

18 Soil Survey of

hills and partially filled in the valleys. Nevertheless, theescarpment that marks the edge of the AlleghenyPlateau remains a prominent feature of the landscape(Goldthwait and others, 1961; Wolfe and others, 1962).

Glacial terraces of Illinoian age occur on highterraces along the Hocking River between Lancasterand Horn’s Mill (Clark Crossing), along Clear Creek,and along the valley between Lancaster and Bremen.

Glacial materials of Wisconsinan age cover most ofthe county (fig. 5). All of the Wisconsinan till iscalcareous, even that on the Allegheny Plateau,except in small areas where the till is thin overbedrock. Much of the till was deposited as groundmoraine. This ground moraine was formed when theice was melting more rapidly than it was advancing.The debris was dropped as the ice retreated. Theground moraine is fairly uniform in thickness, and itssurface relief coincides generally with the relief of thebedrock. Thus, the ground moraine of the CentralLowland is smooth and has little topographicexpression. Most of the drift on the Allegheny Plateautends to follow the topography of the underlyingbedrock surface (Goldthwait and others, 1961; Wolfeand others, 1962).

Recessional moraines were formed where the rateof melting of the ice was about equal to its rate ofadvance. Debris was carried forward to the edge anddeposited along the ice front. These moraines arehummocky, rolling, and rather elongated. Most arecontinuous along the former ice front, but in someplaces they are broken or isolated as a result ofstream dissection. Recessional moraines are ratherconspicuous on the Central Lowland because theyrise in hummocky relief above the general level of theplain. Some of the recessional moraines on theAllegheny Plateau cannot be distinguished from thethinner deposits of till that overlie bedrock ridges.

Three principal types of till are common in thiscounty. They are (1) strongly calcareous Wisconsinantill, (2) moderately calcareous Wisconsinan till, and(3) Illinoian till. The strongly calcareous Wisconsinantill covers most of western Ohio, but only a little of thismaterial is in Fairfield County. This material contains alarge proportion of limestone and dolomite and theirweathered derivatives. One area is located nearWaterloo, another is near Cedar Hill, and a third isnear Stoutsville.

The moderately calcareous Wisconsinan till covers75 percent of the county. This material contains moreacid shale and sandstone and less limestone anddolomite than the strongly calcareous Wisconsinan till.

The Illinoian till is characterized by its thinner andextremely patchy distribution (Goldthwait and others,1961; Wolfe and others, 1962).

Gravelly and sandy outwash of Wisconsinan age ismost extensive in the valleys of the Hocking River andClear Creek. Here, the outwash is in relatively thick,stratified deposits consisting of highly calcareousgravel and sand.

Lacustrine deposits of Wisconsinan age occur bothwithin the Wisconsinan glacial area and south of it.These deposits are mostly calcareous clay and silt,but they include minor lenses of sand and silty clayloam. The deposits are in areas of old glacial lakesthat formed during the Wisconsinan. The largest areaof calcareous lacustrine deposits of Wisconsinan agelies between Baltimore and Pleasantville. Other areasoccur on the valley floor along the Hocking River andRush Creek.

Disconnected remnants of the Illinoian lacustrinedeposits are on the lower valley slopes along theHocking River and Rush Creek. These deposits are athigher elevations than the Wisconsinan lacustrinedeposits (Goldthwait and others, 1961; Meeker andothers, 1960; Wolfe and others, 1962).

Other glacial deposits in the county are kames andeskers, which are water-deposited material. Kamesare rather low but prominent, moundlike, steep-sidedhills that formed from sediments deposited increvasses in the ice or on the surface of stagnant ice.The gravel hills south of Cedar Hill are kames. Eskersare elongated, winding ridges of stratified gravel andsand deposited by streams that flowed in ice tunnelswithin the base of the glacier. The Pickerington eskerlies between Pickerington and Baltimore, and StateRoute 256 runs along it. Another esker extends from apoint north of Baltimore toward the northwest. Botheskers terminate near Baltimore in a lacustrinedeposit.

Covering many areas of the county is loess thatoriginated during the Wisconsinan glaciation or in thepostglacial period. Little or no loess mantles the crestsof knolls and the steeper side slopes (Goldthwait andothers, 1961; Meeker and others, 1960; Wolfe andothers, 1962).

How This Survey Was MadeThis survey was made to provide information about

the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area.The information includes a description of the soils andmiscellaneous areas and their location and adiscussion of their suitability, limitations, andmanagement for specified uses. Soil scientistsobserved the steepness, length, and shape of theslopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds ofcrops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock.They dug many holes to study the soil profile, which is


the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil.The profile extends from the surface down into theunconsolidated material in which the soil formed. Theunconsolidated material is devoid of roots and otherliving organisms and has not been changed by otherbiological activity.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in the surveyarea are in an orderly pattern that is related to thegeology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural

vegetation of the area. Each kind of soil andmiscellaneous area is associated with a particular kindof landform or with a segment of the landform. Byobserving the soils and miscellaneous areas in thesurvey area and relating their position to specificsegments of the landform, a soil scientist develops aconcept, or model, of how they were formed. Thus,during mapping, this model enables the soil scientistto predict with a considerable degree of accuracy the

Figure 5.—Generalized distribution of glacial deposits in Fairfield County (Wolfe and others, 1962).

20 Soil Survey of

kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific locationon the landscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape mergeinto one another as their characteristics graduallychange. To construct an accurate soil map, however,soil scientists must determine the boundaries betweenthe soils. They can observe only a limited number ofsoil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations,supplemented by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient toverify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and todetermine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of thesoil profiles that they studied. They noted soil color,texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind andamount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots,reaction, and other features that enable them toidentify soils. After describing the soils in the surveyarea and determining their properties, the soilscientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes(units). Taxonomic classes are concepts. Eachtaxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics withprecisely defined limits. The classes are used as abasis for comparison to classify soils systematically.Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classificationused in the United States, is based mainly on the kindand character of soil properties and the arrangementof horizons within the profile. After the soil scientistsclassified and named the soils in the survey area, theycompared the individual soils with similar soils in thesame taxonomic class in other areas so that theycould confirm data and assemble additional databased on experience and research.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of someof the soils in the area generally are collected forlaboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soilscientists interpret the data from these analyses andtests as well as the field-observed characteristics andthe soil properties to determine the expected behaviorof the soils under different uses. Interpretations for allof the soils are field tested through observation of thesoils in different uses and under different levels ofmanagement. Some interpretations are modified to fitlocal conditions, and some new interpretations aredeveloped to meet local needs. Data are assembledfrom other sources, such as research information,production records, and field experience of specialists.For example, data on crop yields under defined levelsof management are assembled from farm records andfrom field or plot experiments on the same kinds ofsoil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not onlyon soil properties but also on such variables asclimate and biological activity. Soil conditions are

predictable over long periods of time, but they are notpredictable from year to year. For example, soilscientists can predict with a fairly high degree ofaccuracy that a given soil will have a high water tablewithin certain depths in most years, but they cannotpredict that a high water table will always be at aspecific level in the soil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified thesignificant natural bodies of soil in the survey area,they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerialphotographs and identified each as a specific mapunit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields,roads, and rivers, all of which help in locatingboundaries accurately.

The descriptions, names, and delineations of thesoils in this survey area do not fully agree with thoseof the soils in adjacent survey areas. Differences arethe result of a better knowledge of soils, modificationsin series concepts, or variations in the intensity ofmapping or in the extent of the soils in the surveyareas.

Survey Procedures

The general procedures followed in making thissurvey are described in the National Soil SurveyHandbook (USDA, 2003). The 1960 soil survey ofFairfield County (Meeker and others, 1960) and“Geology of Fairfield County” (Wolfe and others, 1962)were among the references used.

Prior to the soil survey modernization, a soil surveyreview team conducted an evaluation of the 1960survey at the request of the Fairfield CountyCommissioners. A report of the evaluation wasprepared and sent to the Ohio Soil Inventory Board forreview. After reviewing the evaluation report, the SoilInventory Board recommended a soil surveymodernization program and outlined the work to becompleted for the soil survey modernization.

Before actual fieldwork was begun, a detailed studyof all existing laboratory data, soil survey reports, andresearch studies was conducted by the FairfieldCounty soil survey staff. U.S. Geological Surveytopographic maps, at a scale of 1:24,000, were usedto relate land and image features.

Fairfield County has a large number of soil series.The 1960 soil survey is a valuable historical documentthat was relied on extensively during themodernization process. Patterns of soils on thelandscape are typically complex. Modern soil scienceand survey procedures differ from those practiced inthe earlier survey. Some series names used in theolder survey no longer apply to the soils that weremapped and correlated during this update. In addition,


soil observations and evaluations during the 1960survey were made to a depth of 60 inches or less. Thismodernization project routinely made observationsand evaluations to a depth of 80 inches or to bedrock.

Recent aerial photographs, photographs fromearlier flights, the “Geology Map of Ohio” (OhioDepartment of Natural Resources, 1981), and theUnited States Geological Survey quadrangles wereused in making the survey. The maps and soildescriptions in the 1960 survey of Fairfield Countywere used as references in the correlation of soilseries and map units. The older survey was also usedto determine the areas of highest variability whenmapping and transect intervals were planned.

Areas having the most intensive land use andlowest map unit reliability for soil interpretations wereexamined first. An example is the northwest corner ofthe county, with its rapidly expanding urbandevelopment. As soil scientists traversed the surface,they divided the landscape into segments based onthe use and management of the soils. For example, aflat area would be separated from a depression and agently sloping knoll or side slope would be separatedfrom a flat area. In most areas, soil examinations alongthe traverses were made at points 100 to 800 yardsapart, depending on the landscape and soil pattern.

Observations of such items as landforms, blown-down trees, vegetation, ditchbanks, and surface colorswere made without regard to spacing. Soil boundarieswere determined on the basis of soil examinations,

observations, and photo interpretation. The soilmaterial was examined to a depth of about 80 inchesor to bedrock if the bedrock was at a depth of lessthan 80 inches. The pedons described as typical wereobserved and studied in pits that were dug withshovels and spades.

Samples for chemical and physical analyses weretaken from representative sites of several of the soilsin the survey area. The chemical and physicalanalyses were made by the Soil CharacterizationLaboratory, School of Natural Resources, The OhioState University, Columbus, Ohio. The results of theanalyses are stored in a computerized data file at thelaboratory. The analyses for engineering propertieswere made by the Ohio Department of Transportation,Division of Highways, Bureau of Testing, Soils andFoundation Section, Columbus, Ohio. The laboratoryprocedures can be obtained on request from theserespective laboratories. The results of the analysescan be obtained from the School of NaturalResources, The Ohio State University; the OhioDepartment of Natural Resources, Division of Soiland Water Conservation; and the Natural ResourcesConservation Service, State Office, Columbus,Ohio.

After completion of the soil mapping on aerialphotographs, map unit delineations were transferredby hand to another set of the same photographs.Surface features were recorded from observation ofthe maps and the landscape.

23

The general soil map in this publication showsbroad areas that have a distinctive pattern of soils,relief, and drainage. These broad areas are calledassociations. Each association on the general soilmap is a unique natural landscape. Typically, itconsists of one or more major soils or miscellaneousareas and some minor soils or miscellaneous areas. Itis named for the major soils or miscellaneous areas.The components of one association can occur inanother but in a different pattern.

The general soil map can be used to compare thesuitability of large areas for general land uses. Areasof suitable soils can be identified on the map. Likewise,areas where the soils are not suitable can beidentified.

Because of its small scale, the map is not suitablefor planning the management of a farm or field or forselecting a site for a road or building or other structure.The soils in any one association differ from place toplace in slope, depth, drainage, and othercharacteristics that affect management.

1. Bennington-Cardington-PewamoAssociation

Very deep, nearly level to moderately steep, somewhatpoorly drained, moderately well drained, and verypoorly drained soils that formed in till (fig. 6)

Setting

Landform: Wisconsinan till plainsSlope range: 0 to 20 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 12 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Bennington soils—40 percentCardington soils—30 percentPewamo soils—20 percentSoils of minor extent—10 percent

Soil Properties and Qualities

Bennington

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedPosition on the landform: SummitsParent material: TillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 0 to 6 percent

Cardington

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Moderately well drainedPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders,

footslopes, and backslopesParent material: TillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 2 to 20 percent

Pewamo

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Very poorly drainedParent material: TillTexture of the surface layer: Silty clay loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent

Soils of Minor Extent

• Amanda soils on summits and backslopes• Beaucoup and Marengo soils in depressions• Centerburg soils on summits• Shoals soils along drainageways

Use and Management

Major uses: CroplandManagement concerns: Wetness, ponding, restricted

permeability, frost action, erosion, shrinking andswelling, surface compaction, surface crusting,clodding, potential for ground-water pollution, highclay content

General Soil Map Units

24 Soil Survey of

2. Cardington-Bennington Association

Very deep, nearly level to moderately steep,moderately well drained and somewhat poorly drainedsoils that formed in till

Setting


Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 5 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Cardington soils—40 percentBennington soils—15 percentSoils of minor extent—45 percent


Cardington

Depth class: Very deep

Drainage class: Moderately well drainedPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders,

backslopes, and footslopesParent material: TillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 2 to 20 percent

Bennington



• Amanda soils on summits and backslopes• Centerburg soils on summits• Marengo and Pewamo soils in depressions

Figure 6.—Typical pattern of soils and parent material in the Bennington-Cardington-Pewamo association.


Use and Management

Major uses: CroplandManagement concerns: Wetness, restricted

permeability, frost action, erosion, shrinking andswelling, surface compaction, surface crusting

3. Amanda-Centerburg Association

Very deep, gently sloping to steep, well drained andmoderately well drained soils that formed in a thinlayer of loess over till

Setting

Landform: Wisconsinan till plains (fig. 7)Slope range: 2 to 35 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 23 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Amanda soils—45 percentCenterburg soils—30 percentSoils of minor extent—25 percent


Amanda

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders,

footslopes, and backslopesParent material: Thin layer of loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loam, silty clay loam,

or loamSlope: 2 to 35 percent

Centerburg

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Moderately well drainedPosition on the landform: Shoulders and summitsParent material: Thin layer of loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 2 to 12 percent


• Bennington soils in swales• Cardington soils on summits and backslopes

Figure 7.—An area of the Amanda-Centerburg association. Amanda soils are in the foreground. Westland and Aetna soils are on theterraces and flood plain. Centerburg soils are in the areas around the buildings. Loudonville and Amanda soils are in thebackground.

26 Soil Survey of

• Loudonville soils on backslopes• Marengo and Pewamo soils in depressions

Use and Management

Major uses: Cropland, pasture, and woodlandManagement concerns: Wetness, slope, frost action,

erosion, low strength, surface compaction, surfacecrusting

4. Centerburg-Marengo-BenningtonAssociation

Very deep, nearly level to strongly sloping, moderatelywell drained, very poorly drained, and somewhatpoorly drained soils that formed in till or in loess overtill

Setting


Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 20 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Centerburg soils—40 percentMarengo soils—15 percentBennington soils—15 percentSoils of minor extent—30 percent


Centerburg

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Moderately well drainedPosition on the landform: Summits, footslopes, and

shouldersParent material: Thin layer of loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 2 to 12 percent

Marengo

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Very poorly drainedParent material: TillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loam or clay loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent

Bennington



• Amanda soils on summits and backslopes• Corwin soils on summits• Loudonville soils on backslopes• Pewamo soils in depressions

Use and Management

Major uses: Cropland, pasture, and woodlandManagement concerns: Wetness, ponding, restricted

permeability, slope, shrinking and swelling, frostaction, low strength, erosion, surface compaction,surface crusting, potential for ground-waterpollution

5. Miamian-Kokomo-Celina Association

Very deep, nearly level to moderately steep, welldrained, very poorly drained, and moderately welldrained soils that formed in till or in loess over till(fig. 8)

Setting


Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 5 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Miamian soils—30 percentKokomo soils—25 percentCelina soils—20 percentSoils of minor extent—25 percent


Miamian

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

footslopesParent material: Thin layer of loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loam, silty clay loam,

or clay loamSlope: 2 to 20 percent

Kokomo

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Very poorly drainedParent material: TillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loam or silty clay loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent

Celina

Depth class: Very deep


Drainage class: Moderately well drainedPosition on the landform: Summits and shouldersParent material: Thin layer of loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 2 to 6 percent


• Crosby soils on summits and footslopes

Use and Management

Major uses: CroplandManagement concerns: Wetness, ponding, potential

for ground-water pollution, erosion, high claycontent, root-restricting layer, limited availablewater capacity, frost action, surface compaction,surface crusting

6. Miamian-Celina-Crosby Association

Very deep, nearly level to strongly sloping, welldrained, moderately well drained, and somewhat

poorly drained soils that formed in till or in loess overtill

Setting

Landform: Till plainsSlope range: 0 to 12 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 1 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Miamian soils—25 percentCelina soils—20 percentCrosby soils—20 percentSoils of minor extent—35 percent


Miamian

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Summits, shoulders, and

footslopes

Figure 8.—Typical pattern of soils and parent material in the Miamian-Kokomo-Celina association.

28 Soil Survey of

Parent material: TillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loam or silty clay

loamSlope: 2 to 12 percent

Celina

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Moderately well drainedPosition on the landform: SummitsParent material: Loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 2 to 6 percent

Crosby

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedPosition on the landform: SummitsParent material: Loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent


• Kokomo soils in depressions

Use and Management

Major uses: CroplandManagement concerns: Wetness, erosion, high clay

content, root-restricting layer, limited availablewater capacity, frost action, surface compaction,surface crusting

7. Gessie-Aetna Association

Very deep, nearly level, well drained and somewhatpoorly drained soils that formed in alluvium or inalluvium over glaciolacustrine deposits

Setting

Landform: Flood plainsSlope range: 0 to 2 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 4 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Gessie soils—20 percentAetna soils—20 percentSoils of minor extent—60 percent


Gessie

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Well drainedParent material: Alluvium

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent

Aetna

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedParent material: Alluvium or alluvium over

glaciolacustrine depositsTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent


• Amanda soils on backslopes• Beaucoup soils in depressions and on flats

Use and Management

Major uses: CroplandManagement concerns: Flooding, wetness, potential

for ground-water pollution, frost action, surfacecompaction, surface crusting

8. Newark-Lindside-Chagrin Association

Very deep, nearly level, somewhat poorly drained,moderately well drained, and well drained soils thatformed in alluvium

Setting

Landform: Flood plainsSlope range: 0 to 2 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 1 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Newark soils—30 percentLindside soils—15 percentChagrin soils—15 percentSoils of minor extent—40 percent


Newark

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedParent material: AlluviumTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent

Lindside

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Moderately well drainedParent material: AlluviumTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent


Chagrin

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Well drainedParent material: AlluviumTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent


• Glenford and Fox soils on treads and risers• Sebring soils on treads

Use and Management

Major uses: CroplandManagement concerns: Flooding, wetness, potential

for ground-water pollution, frost action, surfacecompaction, surface crusting

9. Ockley-Fox Association

Very deep, nearly level to moderately steep, welldrained soils that formed in loamy sediments overstratified sand and gravel

Setting

Landform: Outwash terracesSlope range: 0 to 20 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 6 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Ockley soils—20 percentFox soils—15 percentComponents of minor extent—65 percent


Ockley

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: TreadsParent material: Loamy sediments over stratified sand

and gravelTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 0 to 6 percent

Fox

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Treads and risersParent material: Loamy sediments over stratified sand

and gravelTexture of the surface layer: Loam or silt loamSlope: 0 to 20 percent

Components of Minor Extent

• Westland and Thackery soils on treads• Urban land in areas of manmade excavations andfills• Amanda soils on summits and backslopes

Use and Management

Major uses: CroplandManagement concerns: Potential for ground-water

pollution, frost action, surface compaction, surfacecrusting, erosion, limited available water capacity

10. Patton-Aetna Association

Very deep, nearly level, very poorly drained andsomewhat poorly drained soils that formed inglaciolacustrine deposits, in alluvium, or in alluviumover glaciolacustrine deposits

Setting

Landform: Lake basins, flood plains, and low terracesSlope range: 0 to 2 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 6 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Patton soils—25 percentAetna soils—15 percentSoils of minor extent—60 percent


Patton

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Very poorly drainedParent material: Glaciolacustrine depositsTexture of the surface layer: Silty clay loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent

Aetna

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedParent material: Alluvium or alluvium over

glaciolacustrine depositsTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 0 to 2 percent


• Canal soils on treads• Glenford soils on treads and risers

Use and Management

Major uses: Cropland

30 Soil Survey of

Management concerns: Frost action, ponding,flooding, erosion, wetness, potential for ground-water pollution, surface compaction, surfacecrusting

11. Hickory-Cincinnati Association

Very deep, strongly sloping to steep, well drained andmoderately well drained soils that formed in till or inloess over till

Setting

Landform: Illinoian till plainsSlope range: 6 to 35 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 3 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Hickory soils—25 percentCincinnati soils—15 percentSoils of minor extent—60 percent


Hickory

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Shoulders and backslopesParent material: TillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loam or loamSlope: 6 to 35 percent

Cincinnati

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Moderately well drainedPosition on the landform: Summits and shouldersParent material: Loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 6 to 12 percent


• Germano soils on backslopes• Alford soils on summits and shoulders

Use and Management

Major uses: Cropland, pasture, and woodlandManagement concerns: Slope, low strength, frost

action, erosion, root-restricting layer, limitedavailable water capacity, surface compaction,surface crusting

12. Shelocta-Berks-Gilpin Association

Moderately deep to very deep, strongly sloping to verysteep, well drained soils that formed in colluvium orresiduum (fig. 9)

Setting

Landform: HillsSlope range: 6 to 70 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 3 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Shelocta soils—25 percentBerks soils—20 percentGilpin soils—15 percentSoils of minor extent—40 percent


Shelocta

Depth class: Deep or very deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Backslopes and footslopesParent material: Colluvium derived from siltstone,

shale, and sandstoneTexture of the surface layer: Silt loam or loamSlope: 15 to 40 percent

Berks

Depth class: Moderately deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: BackslopesParent material: Residuum derived from siltstone and

fine grained sandstoneTexture of the surface layer: Channery silt loamSlope: 25 to 70 percent

Gilpin

Depth class: Moderately deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Shoulders, footslopes, and

backslopesParent material: Residuum derived from sandstone

and siltstoneTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 6 to 35 percent


• Wellston soils on summits• Medway soils on flood plains


Use and Management

Major uses: WoodlandManagement concerns: Slope, erosion, depth to

bedrock, low strength, high content of rockfragments

13. Germano-Gilpin-SheloctaAssociation

Moderately deep to very deep, strongly sloping to verysteep, well drained soils that formed in colluvium orresiduum

Setting

Landform: HillsSlope range: 6 to 70 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 5 percentExtent of the soils in the association:Germano soils—45 percentGilpin soils—20 percentShelocta soils—15 percentSoils of minor extent—20 percent


Germano

Depth class: Moderately deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Backslopes, footslopes, and

shouldersParent material: Residuum derived from sandstone

Figure 9.—Typical pattern of soils and parent material in the Shelocta-Berks-Gilpin association.

32

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam or channerysandy loam

Slope: 15 to 70 percent

Gilpin

Depth class: Moderately deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Shoulders, footslopes, and

summitsParent material: Residuum derived from sandstone

and siltstoneTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 6 to 25 percent

Shelocta

Depth class: Deep or very deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Backslopes and footslopesParent material: Colluvium derived from siltstoneTexture of the surface layer: Silt loam or channery silt

loamSlope: 15 to 40 percent


• Wellston soils on summits

Use and Management

Major uses: WoodlandManagement concerns: Slope, erosion, depth to

bedrock, low strength, high content of rockfragments

14. Alford-Cincinnati-HomewoodAssociation

Very deep, gently sloping to steep, well drained andmoderately well drained soils that formed in loess or inloess over till

Setting

Landform: Illinoian glaciated hills and till plainsSlope range: 2 to 35 percent

Composition

Extent of the association in the county: 6 percent

Extent of the soils in the association:Alford soils—15 percentCincinnati soils—15 percentHomewood soils—15 percentSoils of minor extent—55 percent


Alford

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Well drainedPosition on the landform: Shoulders and summitsParent material: LoessTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 2 to 12 percent

Cincinnati

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Moderately well drainedPosition on the landform: Summits and shouldersParent material: Loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 6 to 12 percent

Homewood

Depth class: Very deepDrainage class: Moderately well drainedPosition on the landform: Backslopes, summits,

shoulders, and footslopesParent material: Loess over tillTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSlope: 6 to 35 percent


• Berks and Negley soils on backslopes• Gilpin soils on backslopes, summits, andshoulders

Use and Management

Major uses: Cropland, pasture, and woodlandManagement concerns: Slope, low strength, root-

restricting layer, frost action, erosion, surfacecrusting, surface compaction, limited availablewater capacity

33

The map units delineated on the detailed soil mapsin this survey represent the soils or miscellaneousareas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions inthis section, along with the maps, can be used todetermine the suitability and potential of a unit forspecific uses. They also can be used to plan themanagement needed for those uses.

A map unit delineation on a soil map represents anarea dominated by one or more major kinds of soil ormiscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified andnamed according to the taxonomic classification of thedominant soils. Within a taxonomic class there areprecisely defined limits for the properties of the soils.On the landscape, however, the soils are naturalphenomena, and they have the characteristicvariability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range ofsome observed properties may extend beyond thelimits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of asingle taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mappedwithout including areas of other taxonomic classes.Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soilsor miscellaneous areas for which it is named andsome minor components that belong to taxonomicclasses other than those of the major soils.

Most minor soils have properties similar to those ofthe dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thusthey do not affect use and management. These arecalled noncontrasting, or similar, components. Theymay or may not be mentioned in a particular map unitdescription. Other minor components, however, haveproperties and behavioral characteristics divergentenough to affect use or to require differentmanagement. These are called contrasting, ordissimilar, components. They generally are in smallareas and could not be mapped separately because ofthe scale used. Some small areas of stronglycontrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identifiedby a special symbol on the maps. The contrastingcomponents are mentioned in the map unitdescriptions. A few areas of minor components maynot have been observed, and consequently they arenot mentioned in the descriptions, especially wherethe pattern was so complex that it was impractical tomake enough observations to identify all the soils andmiscellaneous areas on the landscape.

The presence of minor components in a map unit inno way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of thedata. The objective of mapping is not to delineate puretaxonomic classes but rather to separate thelandscape into landforms or landform segments thathave similar use and management requirements. Thedelineation of such segments on the map providessufficient information for the development of resourceplans. If intensive use of small areas is planned,however, onsite investigation is needed to define andlocate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit namein the map unit descriptions. Each description includesgeneral facts about the unit and gives the principalhazards and limitations to be considered in planningfor most of the major uses of the soils—cropland,pastureland, forestland, building site development,septic tank absorption fields, and local roads andstreets. The soil features that are the most limiting fora certain use are described. In some cases, specificmeasures that may help to overcome the effects ofthese limiting soil features are suggested. The mentionof such management measures is not arecommendation, especially where current laws orprograms may prohibit an activity, such as installationof drainage systems. Even the best managementpractices cannot overcome some soil limitations.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike makeup a soil series. Except for differences in texture of thesurface layer, all the soils of a series have majorhorizons that are similar in composition, thickness,and arrangement.

Soils of one series can differ in texture of thesurface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity, degree oferosion, and other characteristics that affect their use.On the basis of such differences, a soil series isdivided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown onthe detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. Thename of a soil phase commonly indicates a featurethat affects use or management. For example,Centerburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, is a phaseof the Centerburg series.

Some map units are made up of two or more majorsoils or miscellaneous areas. These map units arecalled complexes. A complex consists of two or more

Detailed Soil Map Units

34 Soil Survey of

soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricatepattern or in such small areas that they cannot beshown separately on the maps. The pattern andproportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas aresomewhat similar in all areas. Amanda-Loudonvillecomplex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded, is anexample.

This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Suchareas have little or no soil material and support little orno vegetation. The map unit Pits, quarry, is anexample.

Table 4 gives the acreage and proportionate extentof each map unit. Other tables give properties of thesoils and the limitations, capabilities, and potentials formany uses. The Glossary defines many of the termsused in describing the soils or miscellaneous areas.

Figure 10 shows the relationship between differentgeomorphic positions and slope terminology. Theseterms generally are not used in areas of low relief inFairfield County. More detailed definitions of theseterms are in the Glossary.

AfB—Alford silt loam, 2 to 6 percentslopes

Setting

Landform: Loess hillsPosition on the landform: Summits

Map Unit Composition

Alford and similar soils: 90 percentContrasting components:

Cincinnati soils: 5 percentWellston soils: 5 percent


Available water capacity: About 11.4 inches to a depthof 60 inches

Cation-exchange capacity in the surface layer: 5 to 18milliequivalents per 100 grams

Depth class: Very deepDepth to root-restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDepth to the top of the seasonal high water table:

More than 6 feetPonding: NoneDrainage class: Well drainedFlooding: NoneContent of organic matter in the surface layer: 0.5 to

3.0 percentParent material: LoessPermeability: ModeratePotential for frost action: High

Shrink-swell potential: ModerateTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSurface runoff class: LowHazard of wind erosion: Slight

Use and Management Considerations

Cropland

• Grassed waterways can be used in some areas toslow and direct the movement of water and reduce thehazard of erosion.• Using a system of conservation tillage and plantingcover crops reduce the runoff rate and help tominimize soil loss by erosion.• The root system of winter grain crops may bedamaged by frost action.• Controlling traffic can minimize soil compaction.• Maintaining or increasing the content of organicmatter in the soil helps to prevent crusting, improvestilth, and increases the rate of water infiltration.

Figure 10.—Diagrams showing the relationships betweenlandform, position on the landform, and slopeterminology (adapted from Ruhe, 1975, andSchoeneberger and Wysocki, 1996).


Pastureland

• Erosion control is needed when pastures arerenovated.• The root system of plants may be damaged by frostaction.

Forestland

• The low strength of the soil may cause the formationof ruts, which can result in unsafe conditions anddamage to equipment.• The low strength of the soil also increases the costof constructing haul roads and log landings.• Because of low soil strength, the use of harvestingequipment is limited and may result in damage. Thelow strength of the soil may create unsafe conditionsfor log trucks.• A loss of soil productivity may occur following anepisode of fire.

Building site development

• Moderate shrinking and swelling of the soil maycrack foundations and basement walls. Foundationsand other structures may require some special designand construction techniques or maintenance.

Septic tank absorption fields

• The restricted permeability of this soil limits theabsorption and proper treatment of the effluent fromseptic systems.

Local roads and streets

• Because of shrinking and swelling, this soil may notbe suitable for use as base material for local roadsand streets.• Local roads and streets may be damaged by frostaction, which is caused by the freezing and thawing ofsoil moisture.• The low bearing strength of this soil is generallyunfavorable for supporting heavy loads. Specialdesign of local roads and streets is needed toprevent the structural damage caused by low soilstrength.

Interpretive Groups

Land capability classification: 2ePrime farmland classification: Prime farmlandPasture and hayland suitability group: A-6Hydric classification: Not hydric

AfC2—Alford silt loam, 6 to 12 percentslopes, eroded

Setting

Landform: Loess hillsPosition on the landform: Shoulders, backslopes, and

footslopes

Map Unit Composition

Alford and similar soils: 90 percentContrasting components:

Cincinnati soils: 5 percentWellston soils: 5 percent


Available water capacity: About 11 inches to a depth of60 inches

Cation-exchange capacity in the surface layer: 5 to 18milliequivalents per 100 grams

Depth class: Very deepDepth to root-restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDepth to the top of the seasonal high water table:

More than 6 feetPonding: NoneDrainage class: Well drainedFlooding: NoneContent of organic matter in the surface layer: 0.5 to

3.0 percentParent material: LoessPermeability: ModeratePotential for frost action: HighShrink-swell potential: ModerateTexture of the surface layer: Silt loamSurface runoff class: MediumHazard of wind erosion: Slight

Use and Management Considerations

Cropland

• Using a system of conservation tillage and plantingcover crops reduce the runoff rate and help tominimize soil loss by erosion.• Erosion has removed part of the surface soil, andthe remaining surface soil is less productive and moredifficult to manage.• The root system of winter grain crops may bedamaged by frost action.• Controlling traffic can minimize soil compaction.• Maintaining or increasing the content of organicmatter in the soil helps to prevent crusting, improvestilth, and increases the rate of water infiltration.

36 Soil Survey of

Pastureland

• Avoiding overgrazing can reduce the hazard oferosion.• Maintaining healthy plants and vegetative cover canreduce the hazard of erosion.• Erosion control is needed when pastures arerenovated.• The root system of plants may be damaged by frostaction.

Forestland

• The low strength of the soil may cause the formationof ruts, which can result in unsafe conditions anddamage to equipment.• The low strength of the soil also increases the costof constructing haul roads and log landings.• The slope creates unsafe operating conditions andreduces the operating efficiency of log trucks.• Because of low soil strength, the use of harvestingequipment is limited and may result in damage. Thelow strength of the soil may create unsafe conditionsfor log trucks.• The slope may restrict the use of some mechanicalplanting equipment.• The stickiness of the soil reduces the efficiency ofmechanical planting equipment.• Burning may destroy organic matter.

Building site development

• Moderate shrinking and swelling of the soil maycrack foundations and basement walls. Foundationsand other structures may require some special designand construction techniques or maintenance.• The slope influences the use of machinery and theamount of excavation required. Special buildingpractices and designs may be required to ensuresatisfactory performance.

Septic tank absorption fields

• The restricted permeability of this soil limits theabsorption and proper treatment of the effluent fromseptic systems.• Because of the slope, special design and installationtechniques are needed for the effluent distributionlines and seepage of poorly treated effluent is aconcern.

Local roads and streets

• Because of shrinking and swelling, this soil may notbe suitable for use as base material for local roadsand streets.• Local roads and streets may be damaged by frostaction, which is caused by the freezing and thawing ofsoil moisture.

• The low bearing strength of this soil is generallyunfavorable for supporting heavy loads. Special designof local roads and streets is needed to prevent thestructural damage caused by low soi

Documents

Soil Survey of Fairfield County, Ohio - USDA · General Soil Map The general soil map, which is a color map, shows the survey area divided into groups of associated soils called general