Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
3.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
59.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Franklin County, New York
Franklin's Extremely Acidic Soil Foundation
Franklin County soils feature an average pH of 3.70, significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This high acidity levels influence the chemical availability of nutrients and define the local landscape. While specific taxonomic orders are not documented for this area, the low pH suggests a unique chemical profile.
Sandy Mix with Low Clay Content
The soil contains 42.1% sand, 14.9% silt, and only 4.9% clay. This sand-heavy composition allows for rapid movement of water through the soil profile. The low clay percentage limits the soil's natural ability to store nutrients, making consistent management essential.
Extraordinary Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter reaches a massive 59.13%, dwarfing the state average of 17.01%. This high concentration boosts the available water capacity to 0.275 in/in, well above the New York average of 0.182 in/in. These factors create an incredibly rich environment for plants that thrive in moist, organic-heavy conditions.
Managing Unlisted Drainage and Hydrology Profiles
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unmapped for this region. However, the high sand content generally suggests efficient water movement, while the high organic matter holds moisture near the surface. Gardeners should monitor local runoff patterns until more granular data becomes available.
Gardening in Hardiness Zone 4a
In the cool climate of zone 4a, cold-hardy perennials and acid-loving blueberries flourish. Franklin's high organic content provides a perfect start for a productive home garden. You can successfully grow short-season vegetables and robust northern varieties here.
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 3.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Franklin County have?
Franklin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 15% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Franklin County's soil has a low pH of 3.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Franklin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Franklin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Franklin County's soil?
Based on Franklin County's Loam texture, pH of 3.7, 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 Franklin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Franklin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Franklin County
Soil Verdict
Franklin County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. 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
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Franklin County is significantly cooler than the New York average, shifting effective hardiness by roughly 1.6 zones. The zone range of 4a-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Franklin 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.