Livingston County, New York
The most common soil here is Lima, on about 5% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Valois and Ontusia come next.
About 33% of the land drains well, and 32% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 69% of it.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 80% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 10% 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 Livingston 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 B/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Livingston 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario-Hilton complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Odessa-Schoharie complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Teel silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Odessa-Schoharie complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conesus silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darien and Ovid silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima-Kendaia complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamlin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima-Kendaia complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kendaia silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Erie channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palmyra gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hilton loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angola silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Arnot complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 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 90% 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.