Chemung County Soil Data
Chemung County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Chemung County, New York
Reliable pH Levels in Chemung
Chemung County features a soil pH of 5.56, which is higher than the New York state average of 5.11. This level is still more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but supports a robust variety of plants.
Easy-to-Manage Silty Mix
The soil is made up of 26.7% sand, 51.6% silt, and 15.9% clay. This silty mix is easy to manage and provides a good balance between drainage and nutrient retention for gardeners.
Consistency for Home and Farm
At 8.62%, the organic matter content is over four times the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.176 in/in is very close to the state average of 0.182, indicating strong potential for consistent growth.
Well-Balanced Drainage Characteristics
Specific drainage and hydrology data are not available for this county. Given the silt-heavy composition, the soil likely provides adequate drainage while still holding onto necessary moisture for crops.
Bountiful Harvests in Zone 6a
Located in hardiness zone 6a, Chemung is well-suited for traditional garden crops like tomatoes, beans, and squash. A solid soil score of 60.3 indicates that your gardening efforts will be well-rewarded.
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 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Chemung County have?
Chemung County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 52% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chemung County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chemung 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 Chemung County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Chemung County.
What crops or plants grow well in Chemung County's soil?
Based on Chemung 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 Chemung County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Chemung County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Chemung County
Soil Verdict
Chemung 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
Chemung 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 Chemung 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.