Ontario County, 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 Ontario 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kendaia loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schoharie silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Odessa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honeoye loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lordstown-Manlius-Towerville complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, lower clay surface | 8K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honeoye loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, lower clay surface | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Darien silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakemont silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | 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 |
| Lima loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, lower clay surface | 6K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palmyra gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cayuga silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schoharie silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontario loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ontario fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hemlock silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 75% 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.