Clinton County Soil Data
Clinton County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
28.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Clinton County, New York
Typical Acidic New York Profile
Clinton County maintains a pH of 5.12, nearly matching the New York state average of 5.11. Taxonomic data is currently unavailable, but this acidic profile is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5.
Sandy Soils Offer Fast Drainage
With 54.1% sand and only 8.7% clay, the soil is exceptionally coarse and easy to work. This high sand content promotes rapid drainage, though it may require more frequent fertilization to retain nutrients.
Rich Organic Matter and Hydration
The organic matter content is a massive 28.88%, far exceeding the state average of 17.01%. This richness powers an available water capacity of 0.204 in/in, which beats the state average and ensures plants stay hydrated.
Coarse Texture Influences Water Flow
While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are unavailable, the high sand percentage implies naturally fast-draining land. Farmers should monitor permeability when planning any new garden or building project.
Short Seasons, Strong Roots
Zone 5a conditions mean a shorter growing season, but the rich organic matter supports robust root vegetables. Your garden can thrive with cold-hardy varieties like kale or carrots.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Clinton County have?
Clinton County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 23% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Clinton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clinton County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Clinton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Clinton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Clinton County's soil?
Based on Clinton County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Clinton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Clinton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clinton County
Soil Verdict
Clinton County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°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. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. 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
Clinton County is somewhat cooler than the New York statewide average. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clinton 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.