Orleans County, New York
The most common soil here is Hilton, on about 15% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Appleton and Ovid come next.
About 9% of the land drains well, and 52% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 86% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 91% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 7% 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 Orleans 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 Orleans 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appleton silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lockport silty clay loam | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collamer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niagara silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hilton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elnora loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canandaigua soils | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Churchville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palms muck | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Odessa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galen very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bombay fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyons soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hilton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, bedrock substratum | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kendaia and Appleton soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, bedrock substratum | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovid silt loam, shale substratum, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovid silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly 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 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.