Otsego County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Otsego County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mardin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 40K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown, Chadakoin, and Manlius soils, 25 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bath channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown-Chadakoin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup-Hawksnest complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes, rocky | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup-Franklinville complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown-Chadakoin complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup-Hawksnest complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup-Franklinville complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willdin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown-Arnot complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willdin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Volusia silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 97% 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.