Fulton County, New York

Survey Area NY035• New York

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Fulton 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
Water	24K			Not rated	Not rated
Becket-Tunbridge complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky, very bouldery	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky, very bouldery	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Becket-Tunbridge-Skerry complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky, very bouldery	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Potsdam-Tunbridge complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky, very bouldery	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Broadalbin fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mosherville loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Metacomet fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Skerry-Becket complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery	8K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Windsor loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Henniker fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lansing loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Henniker fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Woodbridge loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sun loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Skerry-Adirondack complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very bouldery	6K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Endoaquolls and Hapludolls, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Becket-Tunbridge complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky, very bouldery	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Crary-Potsdam complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery	5K	Well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lansing loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat 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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 69% 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 79% 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.