Ulster 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 Ulster County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnot-Oquaga-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 94K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga-Arnot-Rock outcrop complex, moderately steep | 51K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown-Arnot-Rock outcrop complex, sloping | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro and Wurtsboro soils, gently sloping, very bouldery | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bath-Nassau-Rock outcrop complex, hilly | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Arnot complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 29K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lackawanna and Swartswood soils, moderately steep, very bouldery | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 24K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Arnot-Lordstown-Rock outcrop complex, moderately steep | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga-Arnot-Rock outcrop complex, sloping | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bath-Nassau complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nassau-Bath-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 17K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Mardin-Nassau complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lackawanna and Swartswood soils, steep, extremely bouldery | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lackawanna and Swartswood soils, very steep, very bouldery | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Arnot complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Scriba and Morris soils, gently sloping, very bouldery | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois very bouldery soils, gently sloping | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hoosic gravelly loam, rolling | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Arnot complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some 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.