Seneca Nation of Indians, New York
The most common soil here is Chenango, on about 11% of the land: a gravelly silt loam, smooth, like flour. Rayne and Middlebury come next.
About 49% of the land drains well, and 26% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 38% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 64% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 16% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 4% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Seneca Nation of Indians, New York, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Seneca Nation of Indians, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Middlebury silt loam | 3K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allard silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tioga silt loam | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rayne channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rayne channery silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Brinkerton variant silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unadilla silt loam | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rayne channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scio silt loam | 848 | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brinkerton variant silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 776 | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 732 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland soils complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 675 | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents and Udifluvents, frequently flooded | 670 | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Derb silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 604 | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 547 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Niagara silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 486 | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 475 | Well drained | C | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.