Yates County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Yates County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Langford-Erie channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honeoye loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conesus-Lansing complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honeoye loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, lower clay surface | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kendaia loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lansing loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lordstown-Manlius-Towerville complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lima loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, lower clay surface | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Erie channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Almond channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langford channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Arnot complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% 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 64% 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.