Columbia County Soil Data
Columbia County, New York
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Columbia County, New York
Balanced Acidity in the Valley
Columbia County’s soil pH sits at 5.41, which is higher than the state average of 5.11. Though specific taxonomic orders are not documented here, the soil is more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
Silty Mix for Easy Cultivation
The soil is composed of 50.3% silt and 32.4% sand, creating a texture that is generally easy to cultivate. This mix provides enough clay at 13.2% to help hold onto essential nutrients during the growing season.
Healthy Soil with Moderate Capacity
At 7.34%, the organic matter is lower than the New York average of 17.01% but remains well above the national 2.0% baseline. The available water capacity of 0.174 in/in is just under the state average of 0.182 in/in.
Observe Local Runoff Patterns
Drainage and hydrologic data are not currently specified for this county. Gardeners should observe how their land handles spring runoff to determine if drainage improvements or raised beds are necessary.
Bountiful Hudson Valley Growing
The 6a hardiness zone allows for a diverse range of crops from stone fruits to decorative perennials. Grab a trowel and start planting to enjoy the productive Hudson Valley environment.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Columbia County have?
Columbia County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 50% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Columbia County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Columbia County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Columbia County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Columbia County.
What crops or plants grow well in Columbia County's soil?
Based on Columbia County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Columbia County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Columbia County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Columbia 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.