Fairfield County Soil Data
Fairfield County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fairfield County, Ohio
Standard Silt Profiles
Fairfield County records a soil score of 70.0 and a pH level of 5.93. This acidity level matches the state average of 5.97 almost perfectly, indicating standard Ohio growing conditions.
Silty Soils for Easy Tilling
The soil is predominantly silt at 53.0%, with 24.4% sand and 19.9% clay. This high silt percentage gives the soil a smooth texture and makes it very easy to till for gardening or farming.
Solid Water Capacity for Crops
Organic matter content is 3.78%, which is healthy by national standards but below the state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.201 in/in is superior to the state average of 0.186 in/in.
Reliable Nutrient Storage
While taxonomic and drainage class data are not specified, the 19.9% clay content provides a good balance for holding nutrients. The high water capacity suggests the soil can sustain plants through short dry spells effectively.
A Gardeners Dream in Zone 6a
Fairfield County sits in hardiness zone 6a, where the silty soil supports diverse agriculture. It is an excellent environment for growing root vegetables and heavy-feeding garden crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Fairfield County have?
Fairfield County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 53% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fairfield County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fairfield County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Fairfield County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fairfield County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fairfield County's soil?
Based on Fairfield County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Fairfield County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fairfield County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Fairfield County
Soil Verdict
Fairfield County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Fairfield County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fairfield County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Ohio
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.