Saratoga County, New York

Survey Area NY091• New York

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Saratoga 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
Oakville loamy fine sand, undulating	30K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water	22K			Not rated	Not rated
Berkshire loam, strongly sloping, very bouldery	20K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Berkshire-Tunbridge complex, steep, very bouldery	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Windsor loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	19K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Charlton fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Becket-Tunbridge complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky, very bouldery	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Becket fine sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Oakville loamy fine sand, rolling	14K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Berkshire loam, steep, very bouldery	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky, very bouldery	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Skerry fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very bouldery	13K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bice loam, strongly sloping, stony	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Windsor loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Broadalbin silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Charlton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Hudson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Becket fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very bouldery	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wareham loamy sand	8K	Poorly drained	A/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.

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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 82% 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.