Chautauqua County, New York
The most common soil here is Busti, on about 15% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Fremont and Chautauqua come next.
About 15% of the land drains well, and 59% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 82% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 85% 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 5% 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 Chautauqua 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Chautauqua 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Busti silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 93K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fremont silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 60K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chautauqua silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 46K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chautauqua silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niagara silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, loamy substratum | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fremont silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Busti silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fremont silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Canandaigua silt loam, loamy substratum | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ashville silt loam | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Erie silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Busti silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Schuyler silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barcelona silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | A/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 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.