Orleans County, New York

Survey Area NY073• New York

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 100% 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.