Orange County, New York
The most common soil here is Mardin, on about 21% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Erie and Hollis come next.
About 32% of the land drains well, and 25% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 56% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 29% 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 Orange 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 Moderately well 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 Orange 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mardin gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 62K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 40K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swartswood and Mardin soils, sloping, very stony | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Hollis complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 27K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Erie gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Hollis complex, sloping | 21K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Erie extremely stony soils, gently sloping | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bath-Nassau channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bath-Nassau channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canandaigua silt loam | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alden silt loam | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis soils, sloping | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Erie gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland soils complex, non-calcareous substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pittsfield gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Nassau complex, hilly | 10K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Madalin silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnot-Lordstown complex, sloping, rocky | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Hollis complex, very steep | 9K | 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 86% 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 95% 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.