Monroe County, New York

Survey Area NY055• New York

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well 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 Monroe 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
Urban land	29K			Not rated	Not rated
Hilton loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	24K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ontario loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Niagara silt loam	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Collamer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hilton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colonie loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Collamer silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canandaigua silt loam	10K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Appleton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Odessa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Madrid fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Ontario loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Arkport, Dunkirk, and Colonie soils, 20 to 60 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Water	7K			Not rated	Not rated
Lockport silty clay loam	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wayland soils complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	7K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Eel silt loam	7K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Churchville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cayuga silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 71% 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.