Chautauqua County Soil Data
Chautauqua County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Chautauqua County, New York
Productive Soils of the Far West
Chautauqua County soil has a pH of 5.49, placing it comfortably above the state average of 5.11. Although it is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it remains highly productive for regional agriculture.
Silty Profile Prevents Nutrient Loss
The composition features 28.7% sand, 51.2% silt, and 16.0% clay. This silty profile provides excellent workability and enough clay to keep nutrients from leaching away during heavy rains.
Strong Organic Matter and Hydration
Organic matter is a healthy 9.58%, far exceeding the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.179 in/in almost matches the New York state average, ensuring plants have a steady supply of hydration.
Natural Water Management in the Soil
Current data does not specify the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. However, the high silt and clay levels suggest the soil naturally holds water well, which is beneficial during dry spells.
Abundant Fruit and Vine Potential
Hardiness zone 6a offers a reliable growing season for grapes and various berries. A strong soil score of 60.7 makes this county a fantastic place to plant seeds and watch them flourish.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Chautauqua County have?
Chautauqua County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 51% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chautauqua County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chautauqua County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Chautauqua County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Chautauqua County.
What crops or plants grow well in Chautauqua County's soil?
Based on Chautauqua County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Chautauqua County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Chautauqua County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Chautauqua County
Soil Verdict
Chautauqua 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
Chautauqua County closely matches the New York average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Chautauqua 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.