Soil Resources
Web Soil Survey provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It is operated by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world. NRCS has soil maps and data available online for more than 95 percent of the nation’s counties and anticipates having 100 percent in the near future. Soil surveys can be used to plan the general farm as well as the local and wider area. Archived soil surveys can be accessed by selecting “Archived Soil Surveys” on the homepage (left menu under the search bar). Choose Ohio, Fairfield County, and then 1960 or 2005 for a digital PDF.
Soil testing is an inexpensive way to maintain good plant health in lawns and landscapes and maximize the productivity of vegetable gardens and fruit crops. Soil test results pinpoint plant nutrient needs, and a soil testing lab’s recommendations can help guide fertilizer applications so just the right amount is used. Test results also provide information for making plant selection decisions based on “the right plant in the right place,” and a soil test can help diagnose what went wrong if good plants go bad. More information can be found by contacting Fairfield County OSU Extension.
Soil Regions of Ohio
Contractors List
The following lists of contractors compiled by the Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District are provided as a means for individuals to be aware of the many people available in the immediate area with heavy equipment capable of doing a wide variety of construction projects.
The Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District makes no claims as to the ability, knowledge, and experience of the individual contractors, nor does it take any responsibility for the correctness or selection of those names and information appearing on the list of contractors. Other interested contractors may be added to the list by contacting the Fairfield SWCD office at (740) 653-8154.
Individuals selecting contractors from this list should exercise appropriate caution when making their selection. Ask for references and to see projects they have constructed similar to yours.
Agricultural
General
Boring
Manure Management
CRP Management
Environmental Clearing/Landscaping
Fencing
Structural
Timber Stand Improvement
Soil Consultants
We highly recommend soil test pits be dug prior to major construction projects, especially pond & wetland creation. The following is a list of professional soil consultants and soil scientists.
The Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District makes no claims as to the ability, knowledge, and experience of the individual contractors, nor does it take any responsibility for the correctness or selection of those names and information appearing on the list of contractors. Other interested contractors may be added to the list by contacting the Fairfield SWCD office at (740) 653-8154.
Soil Site Evaluators
Fairfield Department of Health regulates the Residential Water and Sewage Program. The following is a list of soil evaluators approved under Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3701-29-07 (A)(5).
Typical Clear Cut
Stream Crossing
Skid Trail
Water Bar
Invasive Plants
In 2012, the Fairfield SWCD partnered with Hocking and Vinton SWCD to develop a team of licensed pesticide applicators that could assist local government units with the treatment and control of invasive plants on public properties and rights-of-way. Part of the funding for equipment came from ODNR, Division of Soil and Water Resources “Tool Box Grants” to encourage efficiency and partnership. To date, Fairfield SWCD has assisted Violet Township, the City of Pickerington, and Fairfield Union Schools with invasive plant control efforts.
Most invasive plants in Fairfield County were introduced as attractive landscape plants in people’s yards or for erosion control. We continue to find landscape plants growing wild and uncontrolled along streams and in woodlands. Please watch and monitor your area for these plants, or consider replacing your landscape plants with native alternatives.
Appalachian Ohio Weed Control Partnership
Fairfield County is not officially part of the Appalachian Ohio Weed Control Partnership, but we work in cooperation across the county line to raise awareness. Over the past year, we have had their articles published in the Towne Crier to raise awareness. AOWCP has also created a presentation for right-of-ways for roads, gas lines, electric, etc., as we often see the movement of invasive seeds during mowing operations.
Fairfield County’s Five Most Common Invasive Plants are:
Ailanthus, Garlic Mustard, Honeysuckle, Autumn Olive, Multiflora Rose
We are starting to see more Poison Hemlock in Fairfield County.
Oil and Gas
Primary points of interest to consider are:
Resources:
- Pipeline Standard and Construction Specifications
- ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management
- ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management – Shale Development
- Ohio Oil and Gas Association
- Leasing Farmland for Oil and Gas Production – OSU Extension
- Ohio EPA Commercial Laboratories
Click here for pipeline specifications from ODNR that are a good point of reference for issues to be reviewed if your property lies in the path of a proposed pipeline.
Some interstate projects will have AIMAs prepared in advance, but short segments in the state will likely be negotiated individually for producer lines, distribution, and transmission lines.
Solar
South Central Power Solar Study – Report
Wildlife
The Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District’s goal is to conserve species diversity, protect habitats, and provide wildlife education and technical assistance to all county residents.
Fairfield County plays host to a large diversity of plants and animals thanks to a wide array of habitat types. The wooded hills and valleys of unglaciated territory surrounding Sugar Grove and Bremen, the rolling farm ground near Baltimore and Amanda, and even the urban landscapes of Pickerington and Lancaster all provide unique opportunities for different species of wildlife to thrive. Since the year 2000, over 15 state-listed animals have been observed in Fairfield County, and information regarding state-listed plants found in the county will be available soon.
If you are experiencing a wildlife-related problem, please visit our human/wildlife conflicts page or contact our Wildlife Specialist.
How to file a deer damage complaint – If you are experiencing deer damage to commercial crops, trees, or personal property and would like to apply for a Deer Damage Control Permit through the Ohio Division of Wildlife, please fill out the online deer damage complaint form.
Fish Kill? If you are experiencing a large fish kill in your pond or stream, please contact the SWCD office immediately. Determining what has caused the incident is much easier to do the sooner we are notified.
Local Places to View Wildlife
Wildlife Education Opportunities