Ontario County Soil Data
Ontario County, New York
Avg pH
6.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ontario County, New York
Premium Soil Quality in Ontario
Ontario County earns an impressive soil score of 72.9, making it one of the top agricultural regions in the state. Its average pH of 6.16 is nearly neutral compared to the state's acidic 5.11 average. This provides an ideal chemical baseline for high-yield farming and diverse gardening.
The Power of High Silt Content
Silt makes up 45.5% of the soil, providing a silky texture that retains nutrients effectively. With 35.0% sand and 18.0% clay, the soil offers a robust structure that resists erosion better than sandier counties. This mix is highly prized for its ability to support intensive crop rotations.
Balanced Organic Matter and Storage
The organic matter content stands at 7.66%, which is healthy and well above the national average of 2%. Its available water capacity of 0.185 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, offering a reliable reservoir for thirsty plants. This combination ensures that the land remains productive even when rain is inconsistent.
Optimized Water Flow for Roots
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 18% clay content helps maintain moisture without becoming waterlogged. The high silt percentage facilitates capillary action, pulling water to plant roots when they need it most. These characteristics make the county's hydrology very favorable for large-scale agriculture.
A Gardener’s Dream in Zone 6b
Ontario’s 6b hardiness zone and superior soil quality support everything from vineyards to heirloom tomatoes. The mild pH means you spend less on soil amendments and more time enjoying your harvest. Start your garden today and take advantage of this top-tier New York soil.
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 Ontario County have?
Ontario County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 46% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ontario County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ontario County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Ontario County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ontario County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ontario County's soil?
Based on Ontario County's Loam texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Ontario County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ontario County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ontario 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.