Monroe County Soil Data
Monroe County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Monroe County, New York
Versatile Soils Near Lake Ontario
Monroe County soil features an average pH of 6.06, providing a less acidic environment than the 5.11 state average. This measurement sits just below the 6.5 national median, offering a versatile base for many plants.
Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The soil contains 43.1% sand and 40.3% silt, creating a texture that balances drainage with water retention. With 16.6% clay, the soil maintains decent structural integrity and nutrient-holding capacity.
Reliable Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter is recorded at 6.31%, which beats the national average but falls short of the 17.01% state average. The available water capacity of 0.162 in/in is slightly lower than the state norm, suggesting a need for consistent watering.
Efficient Water Percolation
Specific data for drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently available for Monroe. The high sand and silt percentages suggest that water moves through the profile relatively efficiently compared to clay-heavy areas.
Lush Growth in Zone 6b
Zone 6b provides a moderate climate perfect for growing everything from berries to leafy greens. Get started today to make the most of this reliable soil and favorable growing zone.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Monroe County have?
Monroe County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 40% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Monroe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Monroe County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Monroe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Monroe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Monroe County's soil?
Based on Monroe County's Loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Monroe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Monroe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Monroe County
Soil Verdict
Monroe County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Monroe County closely matches the New York average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Monroe 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.