Jefferson County Soil Data
Jefferson County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jefferson County, New York
Mildly Acidic Soils Near the Lake
Jefferson County soils have an average pH of 5.55, making them less acidic than the state average of 5.11. While still below the national median of 6.5, this pH is favorable for many agricultural crops. The chemistry reflects the county's position along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Perfect Balance of Sand and Silt
The composition is nearly even with 40.1% sand and 40.3% silt, supported by 16.0% clay. This balanced texture offers both excellent drainage from the sand and nutrient-holding capacity from the silt and clay. It is a highly desirable mix for both farming and gardening.
Healthy Soils with Standard Water Capacity
Organic matter levels are 12.35%, which is slightly lower than the state average but much higher than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is 0.174 in/in, very close to the state average of 0.182 in/in. These metrics indicate a reliable soil that is well-suited for diverse plant life.
Managing Hydrology in a Balanced Landscape
Dominant drainage classes are not specifically listed for this county data. Given the balanced sand and silt percentages, the soil likely offers moderate drainage that prevents both drying out and over-saturation. This makes it a stable foundation for building and landscaping projects.
Northern Gardening in Zone 5a
In hardiness zone 5a, Jefferson County gardeners can grow hardy staples like kale, carrots, and apples. The soil's balanced texture and decent pH make it easier to manage than more acidic neighboring counties. It is an excellent region for both small-scale gardening and commercial agriculture.
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jefferson County have?
Jefferson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 40% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jefferson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jefferson County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Jefferson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jefferson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jefferson County's soil?
Based on Jefferson County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Jefferson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jefferson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jefferson County
Soil Verdict
Jefferson County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°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. 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
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
Jefferson County is somewhat cooler than the New York statewide average. The zone range of 4b-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jefferson 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.