Broome County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Broome County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 121K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 52K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bath channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown channery silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown and Oquaga channery silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown and Oquaga channery silt loams, 0 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bath channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland soils complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango and Howard gravelly loams, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chenango and Howard gravelly loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Alluvial land | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tioga silt loam | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lackawanna channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morris channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown and Oquaga soils, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.