Oswego County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Oswego County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worth and Empeyville soils, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 111K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 43K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ira gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scriba gravelly fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 35K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colton-Hinckley complex, rolling | 29K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rifle muck | 25K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raynham silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westbury-Dannemora complex, very stony, gently sloping | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williamson very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ira and Sodus very stony soils, moderately steep | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck | 15K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Naumburg-Granby complex, gently sloping | 15K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canandaigua silt loam | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley gravelly loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Scriba very stony soils, gently sloping | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alton gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Adams-Windsor complex, rolling | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rhinebeck silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ira-Sodus gravelly fine sandy loams, rolling | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents and Udifluvents, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% 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 90% 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.