Hamilton County Soil Data
Hamilton County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
67.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hamilton County, New York
Highly Acidic Soils of the Adirondacks
Hamilton County soils are quite acidic with an average pH of 4.51, well below the national median of 6.5. This pH level is also lower than the New York average of 5.11. These conditions are characteristic of the county's heavily forested and wild terrain.
Sandy Texture with Minimal Clay
The soil contains 49.5% sand, 17.4% silt, and only 5.6% clay. This high sand percentage creates a very loose soil structure that allows water to drain quickly. The low clay content means the soil does not compact easily but may require more frequent fertilization.
Unrivaled Organic Richness and Water Capacity
Organic matter is exceptionally high at 67.35%, far exceeding the state average of 17.01%. This massive organic reserve drives an available water capacity of 0.300 in/in, which is nearly double the state average. This soil acts like a sponge, holding vast amounts of water and nutrients in its organic layers.
Variable Drainage in a High-Organic Landscape
While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are unlisted, the high sand content facilitates rapid drainage. However, the extreme organic matter content likely holds substantial moisture near the surface in many areas. Local growers should focus on managing this high moisture retention for optimal plant health.
High-Altitude Growing in Zone 4b
Hamilton County resides in zone 4b, requiring plants that can handle cold winters and a shorter growing season. The soil is exceptionally suited for native evergreens and cold-hardy berries. Despite the short summer, the high fertility makes for vibrant and lush growth.
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 4.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hamilton County have?
Hamilton County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 50% sand, 17% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hamilton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hamilton County's soil has a low pH of 4.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Hamilton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hamilton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hamilton County's soil?
Based on Hamilton County's Loam texture, pH of 4.5, 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 Hamilton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hamilton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hamilton County
Soil Verdict
Hamilton County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°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
Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.