Cattaraugus County, New York
The most common soil here is Volusia, on about 7% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Mardin and Ischua come next.
About 28% of the land drains well, and 31% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 72% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 91% 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 18% 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 Cattaraugus County, 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 Moderately well 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 Cattaraugus County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Napoli silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Napoli silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yorkshire channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois-Volusia-Mardin complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinzua channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rayne channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yorkshire channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ischua channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ischua channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carrollton channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ischua channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portville silty clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ischua channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | 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 91% 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 97% 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.