Steuben County Soil Data
Steuben County, New York
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Steuben County, New York
Moderate Acidity in the Southern Tier
Steuben County averages a pH of 5.52, sitting above the New York state average of 5.11 but below the national 6.5 median. The county earns a soil score of 64.2, indicating solid potential for diverse land use. This acidic profile is typical for the region's forest-derived soils.
Silty Soils for Versatile Use
Silt makes up 47.9% of the soil, followed by 29.6% sand and 15.5% clay. This creates a medium-textured soil that offers a good balance between moisture retention and drainage. It is well-suited for a variety of crops, from field corn to potatoes.
Standard Fertility and Reliable Water Access
Organic matter content is 12.47%, which is healthy but falls short of the high state average of 17.01%. The available water capacity is 0.184 in/in, aligning almost perfectly with the state average of 0.182 in/in. These levels provide a predictable environment for consistent plant growth.
Balanced Hydrology for Stable Lands
Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the nearly 48% silt content suggests moderate permeability. This soil type generally holds enough water for plants without becoming waterlogged as easily as heavy clay. Maintaining soil health is key to preventing erosion on the county’s many slopes.
Diverse Potential in Zone 5b
The Zone 5b climate supports a wide range of hardy perennials and vegetables. Given the reliable water capacity, this is an excellent place for backyard orchards or vegetable plots. Start your garden today and enjoy the benefits of Steuben's well-balanced 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 Steuben County have?
Steuben County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 48% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Steuben County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Steuben 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 Steuben County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Steuben County.
What crops or plants grow well in Steuben County's soil?
Based on Steuben 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 Steuben County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Steuben County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Steuben 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.