Jefferson County, New York

Survey Area NY045• New York

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Jefferson 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	72K			Not rated	Not rated
Galoo-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	34K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Benson-Galoo complex, very rocky, 0 to 8 percent slopes	31K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Farmington loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chaumont silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hudson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	24K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kingsbury silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Collamer silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded	18K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Vergennes silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Galway silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wilpoint silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rhinebeck silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plainfield sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes	15K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Covington silty clay	14K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Newstead silt loam	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Saprists and Aquents, ponded	12K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chaumont silty clay, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Galway very stony silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C/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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 83% 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.