St. Lawrence County, New York

Survey Area NY089• New York

The dominant drainage class is and the dominant hydrologic group is . The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 St. Lawrence 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
Water	92K
Potsdam-Tunbridge-Crary complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery	68K
Insula-Rock outcrop complex, rolling	55K
Muskellunge silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	54K
Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky, very bouldery	49K
Colton-Duxbury-Adams complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	49K
Insula-Rock outcrop complex, hilly	48K
Dawson-Fluvaquents-Loxley complex, frequently flooded	43K
Adjidaumo silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes	41K
Potsdam-Tunbridge complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very bouldery	40K
Hogansburg loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	40K
Malone loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	33K
Crary-Potsdam complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery	33K
Muskellunge silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	32K
Potsdam very fine sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldary	31K
Naumburg loamy fine sand	30K
Hogansburg and Grenville soils, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	30K
Swanton fine sandy loam	29K
Carbondale muck	28K
Borosaprists and Fluvaquents, frequently flooded	27K

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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

Most soils are reasonably suitable for conventional septic systems, though site-specific conditions always matter. Get a perc test to confirm.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.