Broome County Soil Data
Broome County, New York
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Broome County, New York
Balanced Acidity in the Susquehanna Valley
Broome County’s soil has an average pH of 5.57, which is notably less acidic than the New York state average of 5.11. While still below the 6.5 national median, it provides a stable foundation for many local ecosystems.
Silty Texture Ideal for Tilling
Silt dominates the landscape at 54.6%, supported by 29.1% sand and 14.6% clay. This silty texture makes the soil easy to till while providing moderate nutrient-holding capacity for local farmers.
Healthy Organic Base and Water Levels
Organic matter levels reach 7.33%, which is much higher than the national 2.0% average. An available water capacity of 0.173 in/in falls just short of the 0.182 state benchmark, suggesting steady but necessary irrigation during dry spells.
Steady Water Flow Through Silt
Specific data for drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently recorded for the county. The high silt percentage indicates that the soil likely manages water moderately well, avoiding the extremes of heavy clay.
Versatile Planting in Zone 6a
Hardiness zone 6a supports a diverse range of vegetables and ornamental flowers. With a respectable soil score of 58.7, this is an excellent environment for establishing a productive home garden.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Broome County have?
Broome County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 55% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Broome County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Broome County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Broome County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Broome County.
What crops or plants grow well in Broome County's soil?
Based on Broome County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Broome County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Broome County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Broome 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.