Tompkins County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 | 11K | 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 | 6K | 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 91% 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.