Chenango County Soil Data

Chenango County, New York

Avg pH

5.5

Texture

Silt Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

9.1%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Chenango County, New York

Slightly Alkaline Relative to the State

Chenango's soil shows a pH of 5.51, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.11. While taxonomic order and texture data are limited, the pH remains well below the national median of 6.5.

Silt Dominates the Local Landscape

The profile is dominated by 52.8% silt and 30.9% sand, with a smaller 14.1% clay component. This silty mix offers decent workability for farmers but requires careful management to prevent surface crusting.

High Organic Matter Powers Potential

At 9.12%, organic matter is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average but sits below the New York state average of 17.01%. The water capacity of 0.175 in/in suggests the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state benchmark.

Localized Drainage Needs Individual Testing

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not available for this county. Local growers should perform their own perk tests to understand how water moves through their specific plot.

Hardy Crops for Chenango Gardens

Chenango sits in hardiness zone 5b, making it ideal for hardy vegetables and cool-season fruits. Get started with peas or apples to take advantage of this resilient upstate climate.

Soil Composition

Silt Loam
Sand: 30.9%
Silt: 52.8%
Clay: 14.1%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5pH
5.51230795071531
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Chenango County have?

Chenango County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 53% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Chenango County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Chenango County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Chenango County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Chenango County.

What crops or plants grow well in Chenango County's soil?

Based on Chenango County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Chenango County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Chenango County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.