Saratoga 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 Saratoga County, New York.
| 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 |
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.