Albany County Soil Data
Albany County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Variable
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Albany County, New York
Albany's Variable and Acidic Soil Base
Albany County soil features a variable texture and an average pH of 5.16. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though it slightly exceeds the New York state average of 5.11.
A Silty Mix with Low Clay
The mix consists of 35.7% sand, 43.1% silt, and 11.9% clay. This high silt content makes the soil workable, but the relatively low clay percentage may limit its ability to hold onto key nutrients over time.
Rich Organic Matter and Moisture Needs
Organic matter levels sit at 8.93%, which dwarfs the 2.0% national average but falls below the 17.01% state average. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in suggests plants might need more frequent watering than in other parts of the state.
Managing Water in Variable Terrain
Local classification data for drainage and hydrology is currently limited for this region. Growers and builders should perform site-specific tests to determine how water moves through this variable terrain before starting projects.
Growing Success in Zone 6a
This region sits in hardiness zone 6a, offering a generous window for cool-weather crops and hardy perennials. With an overall soil score of 47.1, the ground is ready for berries and leafy greens if you manage the acidity.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Variable
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Albany County have?
Albany County's soil is classified as Variable. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 43% silt, and 12% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Albany County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Albany County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Albany County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Albany County.
What crops or plants grow well in Albany County's soil?
Based on Albany County's Variable texture, pH of 5.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.
What USDA soil order is found in Albany County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Albany County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Albany County
Soil Verdict
Albany County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Albany County closely matches the New York average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Albany County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in New York
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.