Putnam County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Putnam County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlton-Chatfield complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Charlton complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Woodbridge loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Catden muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Natchaug muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leicester loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed | 2K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sun loam | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% 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 84% 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.