Albany County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Albany County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burdett silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunda silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kearsarge silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunda silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunda silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnot-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hudson silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udipsamments-Urban land complex | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Colonie loamy fine sand, rolling | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lordstown-Arnot complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhinebeck silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuller-Greene complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunda silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 6K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Hudson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnot very channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burdett silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.