New York County Soil Data
New York County, New York
Avg pH
3.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in New York County, New York
Intense Acidity in the Urban Core
Manhattan's soil is intensely acidic with a pH of 3.47, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This measurement reflects the unique urban environment and historical land use of New York County.
Light Texture with Low Clay
The mix consists of 32.0% sand and only 6.7% clay, though urban fill often complicates these natural ratios. A silt level of 18.4% provides some structure to an otherwise light and porous composition.
Lower Capacity for Water Storage
Organic matter stands at 4.75%, which is higher than the national average but well below the New York average of 17.01%. The available water capacity is quite low at 0.088 in/in, meaning soil dries out quickly.
Urban Drainage Considerations
Data for hydrologic groups and drainage classes is not provided for this dense urban landscape. Gardeners should anticipate high drainage rates and plan for frequent irrigation to support plant health.
Rooftop Potential in Zone 7b
In the warm 7b hardiness zone, Manhattan rooftops and community plots can host a wide variety of Mediterranean herbs and vegetables. Even in the city, you can cultivate a lush green space with containers.
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 New York County have?
New York County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 18% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is New York County's soil acidic or alkaline?
New York County's soil has a low pH of 3.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for New York County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for New York County.
What crops or plants grow well in New York County's soil?
Based on New York County's Loam texture, pH of 3.5, 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 New York County?
The dominant USDA soil order for New York County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for New York 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.