Fulton County Soil Data
Fulton County, New York
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
51.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fulton County, New York
Acidic Profiles in the Fulton Landscape
Fulton County soils maintain an average pH of 4.69, which is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This level is also lower than the New York state average of 5.11. The low pH suggests a need for soil amendments if you are growing traditional garden vegetables.
Balanced Sand and Silt Textures
The soil consists of 44.5% sand, 26.6% silt, and 8.4% clay. This mix provides a texture that is workable yet retains enough silt to slow water movement through the ground. The low clay percentage keeps the soil from becoming overly sticky or difficult to till.
Superior Organic Matter and Water Capacity
At 51.48%, the organic matter content is three times higher than the state average of 17.01%. This richness contributes to an available water capacity of 0.255 in/in, outperforming the state baseline of 0.182 in/in. Such high fertility levels indicate great potential for sustained plant growth.
Observing Local Hydrological Conditions
While dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not formally listed for the county data, the high sand content suggests naturally porous behavior. Homeowners should observe how their specific plots handle heavy rain to determine drainage needs. The high organic content helps maintain surface moisture even in well-draining areas.
Growing Success in Zone 5a
Fulton County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, supporting a wide range of hardy vegetables and fruits. Acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and potatoes thrive in this high-organic, low-pH soil. Start your garden today to take advantage of this nutrient-rich land.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Fulton County have?
Fulton County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 27% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fulton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fulton County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Fulton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fulton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fulton County's soil?
Based on Fulton County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Fulton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fulton County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.