Seneca County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well 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 Seneca County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 54K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Darien silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darien-Danley-Cazenovia silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cazenovia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Honeoye silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Odessa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conesus gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schoharie silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovid silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angola silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontario loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Schoharie silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ilion silty clay loam | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lansing gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Langford channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakemont silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aurora and Farmington soils, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunkirk silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Arkport loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% 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.