Tioga County Soil Data

Tioga County, New York

Avg pH

5.7

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

10.2%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Tioga County, New York

Solid Foundation in the Susquehanna Valley

Tioga County's average pH of 5.68 is higher than the state average of 5.11, though it remains below the national 6.5 median. A soil score of 62.8 reflects its dependable nature for both farming and development. The soil here is slightly less acidic than many of its upstate neighbors.

Balanced Silt for Easy Planting

The soil is comprised of 48.6% silt, 31.2% sand, and 14.1% clay. This high silt percentage makes the soil feel floury and easy to rake, providing an excellent seedbed for spring planting. It holds its shape well while allowing for adequate root penetration.

Moderate Nutrients and Standard Moisture

Organic matter content stands at 10.25%, which is lower than the New York average of 17.01% but high compared to the 2.0% national average. Available water capacity is 0.174 in/in, which is slightly below the state average of 0.182 in/in. These levels suggest a reliable but not overly lush growing environment.

Predictable Drainage for Valley Life

With specific hydrologic data unavailable, the soil's 48.6% silt content indicates moderate drainage capabilities. Silt-heavy soils provide a good balance between holding enough moisture and preventing total saturation. This makes the land versatile for both agriculture and suburban development.

Garden Success in Zone 6a

Tioga's Zone 6a climate is well-suited for tomatoes, peppers, and various fruit trees. The moderate soil pH and balanced texture mean you won't have to work too hard to get results. Whether you want a flower bed or a veggie patch, Tioga’s soil is ready for you.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 31.2%
Silt: 48.6%
Clay: 14.1%
Loam

Soil pH

5.7pH
5.6790800457165
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Tioga County have?

Tioga County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 49% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Tioga County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Tioga County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Tioga County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Tioga County.

What crops or plants grow well in Tioga County's soil?

Based on Tioga County's Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Tioga County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Tioga County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.