Schenectady County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Schenectady County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burdett-Scriba channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colonie loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ilion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hornell silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnot channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuller-Brockport complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burdett-Scriba channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burdett-Scriba channery silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunda channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunda channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunda soils, very steep | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunda channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Plainfield loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Colonie loamy fine sand, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ilion silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angola channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cut and fill land | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tuller channery silt loam | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manlius-Rock outcrop association, steep | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.