Cayuga County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Cayuga County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeoye silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 29K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Langford channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontario loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cazenovia silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kendaia and Lyons soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muck, deep | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honeoye silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ontario, Honeoye, and Lansing soils, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan silt loam | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alden mucky silt loam, till substratum | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Erie channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niagara and Canandaigua silt loams | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovid silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ira gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langford channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lansing gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hilton loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% 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 60% 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.