Tompkins County, New York
The most common soil here is Erie, on about 9% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Langford and Lordstown come next.
About 37% of the land drains well, and 33% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 58% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% 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 Tompkins County, 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 D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Tompkins 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bath and Valois soils, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langford channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Erie channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lordstown channery silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Howard gravelly loam, 5 to 15 percent simple slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wayland soils complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conesus gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lansing gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Erie-Chippewa channery silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bath and Valois soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bath and Valois soils, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovid silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alluvial land | 5K | Poorly drained | A/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 92% 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.