Allegany County Area, New York
The most common soil here is Ontusia, on about 9% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Volusia and Napoli come next.
About 23% of the land drains well, and 50% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 78% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 24% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Allegany County Area, New York, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Allegany County Area, New York. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Napoli silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wiscoy-Volusia complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wiscoy-Volusia complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Napoli silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Almond silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ischua channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Almond silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willdin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ischua channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gretor channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willdin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois-Volusia-Mardin complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.