Chenango County Soil Data
Chenango County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Chenango County
Soil Verdict
Chenango County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Chenango County is somewhat cooler than the New York statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Chenango 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.