Schoharie County, New York

Survey Area NY095• New York

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Schoharie 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
Lordstown and Oquaga channery silt loams, 0 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony	51K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lordstown, Oquaga, and Nassau soils, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very rocky	31K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mardin and Wellsboro soils, 0 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	20K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mohawk and Honeoye soils, 10 to 20 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lordstown channery silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Volusia, Morris, and Erie soils, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lordstown channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Honeoye-Farmington complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Darien silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mardin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Barbour and Tioga loams	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lordstown channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mohawk and Lima soils, 2 to 10 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tuller and Allis silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mardin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mohawk and Honeoye soils, 20 to 30 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Burdett and Erie channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alluvial land	6K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Volusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% 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 95% 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.