Cortland County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Cortland County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontusia channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup-Hawksnest complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockrift-Mongaup complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willdin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cadosia-Lordstown complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willdin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palmyra gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown-Arnot complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland soils complex, non-calcareous substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udifluvents-Fluvaquents Complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.