Cortland County Soil Data
Cortland County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
14.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cortland County, New York
Top-Tier Soil for Local Growers
Cortland County boasts a pH of 5.62, outperforming the state average of 5.11. Even without taxonomic records, the data shows this soil is more acidic than the 6.5 national median.
Dense Earth Retains Nutrients
The soil composition is heavy on silt at 45.5% and low on sand at 21.5%. This creates a dense, productive earth that retains nutrients effectively but may require careful management to avoid compaction.
High Fertility and Water Storage
Organic matter levels reach 14.83%, which is near the New York state average of 17.01%. This richness drives a high available water capacity of 0.210 in/in, which is significantly better than the state average.
Excellent Moisture Regulation Potential
Though specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the high soil score of 77.4 suggests very high environmental quality. This land likely supports excellent moisture regulation for both farming and landscaping projects.
A Sweet Spot for Cool-Weather Crops
Cortland sits in zone 5b, making it perfect for cool-weather crops like broccoli and snap peas. With a soil score well above the state average, your garden has a massive head start.
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: 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 Cortland County have?
Cortland County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 46% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cortland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cortland 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 Cortland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cortland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cortland County's soil?
Based on Cortland County's 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 Cortland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cortland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cortland County
Soil Verdict
Cortland 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
Cortland County is somewhat cooler than the New York statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cortland 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.