Dutchess County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Dutchess County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau-Cardigan complex, hilly, very rocky | 43K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nassau-Cardigan complex, rolling, very rocky | 32K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dutchess-Cardigan complex, rolling, rocky | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dutchess-Cardigan complex, undulating, rocky | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stockbridge silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sun silt loam | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland silt loam | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nassau-Rock outcrop complex, steep | 13K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Hoosic gravelly loam, undulating | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, hilly | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoosic gravelly loam, nearly level | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Georgia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dutchess-Cardigan complex, hilly, rocky | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, steep | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis complex, rolling, very rocky | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stockbridge silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernardston silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% 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, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.