Queens County Soil Data
Queens County, New York
Avg pH
4.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Queens County, New York
Highly Acidic Urban Soils in Queens
Queens soil is extremely acidic with a pH of 4.02, falling well below the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.11. While specific taxonomic classifications are limited in this urban landscape, the high acidity defines the local chemistry. Gardeners here must frequently manage pH levels to support healthy plant growth.
A Sandy Foundation with Low Clay
The soil composition is 44.2% sand, 16.3% silt, and only 5.6% clay. This high sand content provides excellent aeration but means the soil lacks the structural stability found in clay-heavy regions. Such a mix requires careful management to prevent nutrient leaching during heavy rains.
High Organic Matter, Low Water Storage
Organic matter reaches 11.11%, which is five times higher than the national average but below the New York state average of 17.01%. The available water capacity is a low 0.106 in/in, significantly trailing the state average of 0.182 in/in. Plants in Queens likely require more frequent irrigation than those in neighboring counties.
Rapid Drainage in the City
Specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, yet the 44.2% sand content suggests very fast water movement. This rapid drainage prevents pooling but can lead to drought stress for shallow-rooted plants. Urban growers should focus on improving water retention through consistent mulching.
Gardening Success in Zone 7b
Queens sits in hardiness zone 7b, offering one of the longest growing seasons in the state. Heat-loving crops like peppers and tomatoes thrive here if the acidic soil is properly amended with lime. Start your city garden today to take advantage of this mild coastal climate.
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 Queens County have?
Queens County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 16% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Queens County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Queens County's soil has a low pH of 4.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Queens County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Queens County.
What crops or plants grow well in Queens County's soil?
Based on Queens County's Loam texture, pH of 4.0, 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 Queens County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Queens County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Queens 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.