Agriculture States Department of Report for Agriculture...

United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

A product of the NationalCooperative Soil Survey,a joint effort of the UnitedStates Department ofAgriculture and otherFederal agencies, Stateagencies including theAgricultural ExperimentStations, and localparticipants

Custom Soil ResourceReport for

Ulster County,New York

NaturalResourcesConservationService

July 27, 2009

PrefaceSoil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas. Theyhighlight soil limitations that affect various land uses and provide information aboutthe properties of the soils in the survey areas. Soil surveys are designed for manydifferent users, including farmers, ranchers, foresters, agronomists, urban planners,community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers. Also,conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, waste disposal,and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand, protect, or enhancethe environment.

Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may imposespecial restrictions on land use or land treatment. Soil surveys identify soil propertiesthat are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions. The informationis intended to help the land users identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations onvarious land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for identifying and complyingwith existing laws and regulations.

Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider areaplanning, onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some cases.Examples include soil quality assessments (http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/) and certainconservation and engineering applications. For more detailed information, contactyour local USDA Service Center (http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs) or your NRCS State Soil Scientist (http://soils.usda.gov/contact/state_offices/).

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils areseasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as afoundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as septictank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements orunderground installations.

The National Cooperative Soil Survey is a joint effort of the United States Departmentof Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the AgriculturalExperiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources ConservationService (NRCS) has leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative SoilSurvey.

Information about soils is updated periodically. Updated information is availablethrough the NRCS Soil Data Mart Web site or the NRCS Web Soil Survey. The SoilData Mart is the data storage site for the official soil survey information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programsand activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and whereapplicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexualorientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of anindividual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibitedbases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means

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http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/

http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs

http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs

http://soils.usda.gov/contact/state_offices/

http://soils.usda.gov/contact/state_offices/

for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) shouldcontact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file acomplaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider andemployer.

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ContentsPreface....................................................................................................................2How Soil Surveys Are Made..................................................................................5Soil Map..................................................................................................................7

Soil Map................................................................................................................8Legend..................................................................................................................9Map Unit Legend................................................................................................10Map Unit Descriptions........................................................................................10

Ulster County, New York.................................................................................12CkC—Cayuga silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes..........................................12CnA—Chenango gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes..........................12CnB—Chenango gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes..........................13HgC—Hoosic gravelly loam, rolling.............................................................14HgD—Hoosic gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes.................................15HSF—Hoosic soils, very steep....................................................................16HuB—Hudson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes............................................16HuC—Hudson silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes..........................................17HwD—Hudson and Schoharie soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes.....................18RhA—Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes.......................................19W—Water....................................................................................................20Wb—Wayland silt loam...............................................................................20

Soil Information for All Uses...............................................................................22Suitabilities and Limitations for Use....................................................................22

Land Classifications........................................................................................22Farmland Classification (Mercaldi)..............................................................22

Sanitary Facilities............................................................................................26Septic Tank Absorption Fields (NY) (Mercaldi)...........................................26

References............................................................................................................33

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How Soil Surveys Are MadeSoil surveys are made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous areasin a specific area. They include a description of the soils and miscellaneous areas andtheir location on the landscape and tables that show soil properties and limitationsaffecting various uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape ofthe slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and native plants; andthe kinds of bedrock. They observed and described many soil profiles. A soil profile isthe sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from thesurface down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed or from thesurface down to bedrock. The unconsolidated material is devoid of roots and otherliving organisms and has not been changed by other biological activity.

Currently, soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource areas(MLRAs). MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that sharecommon characteristics related to physiography, geology, climate, water resources,soils, biological resources, and land uses (USDA, 2006). Soil survey areas typicallyconsist of parts of one or more MLRA.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in a survey area occur in an orderly pattern that isrelated to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area.Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind oflandform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneousareas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of thelandform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they were formed. Thus,during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with a considerabledegree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location on thelandscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as theircharacteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soilscientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe onlya limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented byan understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verifypredictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. Theynoted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rockfragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them toidentify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining theirproperties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soilcharacteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis forcomparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomicclassification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character ofsoil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soilscientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the

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individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so thatthey could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience andresearch.

The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure map unit components; theobjective is to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that havesimilar use and management requirements. Each map unit is defined by a uniquecombination of soil components and/or miscellaneous areas in predictableproportions. Some components may be highly contrasting to the other components ofthe map unit. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishesthe usefulness or accuracy of the data. The delineation of such landforms andlandform segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development ofresource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite investigation isneeded to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

Soil scientists make many field observations in the process of producing a soil map.The frequency of observation is dependent upon several factors, including scale ofmapping, intensity of mapping, design of map units, complexity of the landscape, andexperience of the soil scientist. Observations are made to test and refine the soil-landscape model and predictions and to verify the classification of the soils at specificlocations. Once the soil-landscape model is refined, a significantly smaller number ofmeasurements of individual soil properties are made and recorded. Thesemeasurements may include field measurements, such as those for color, depth tobedrock, and texture, and laboratory measurements, such as those for content ofsand, silt, clay, salt, and other components. Properties of each soil typically vary fromone point to another across the landscape.

Observations for map unit components are aggregated to develop ranges ofcharacteristics for the components. The aggregated values are presented. Directmeasurements do not exist for every property presented for every map unitcomponent. Values for some properties are estimated from combinations of otherproperties.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generallyare collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists interpretthe data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed characteristicsand the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the soils under differentuses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through observation of the soilsin different uses and under different levels of management. Some interpretations aremodified to fit local conditions, and some new interpretations are developed to meetlocal needs. Data are assembled from other sources, such as research information,production records, and field experience of specialists. For example, data on cropyields under defined levels of management are assembled from farm records and fromfield or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on suchvariables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable over longperiods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soilscientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will havea high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that ahigh water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in thesurvey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs andidentified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields,roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.

Custom Soil Resource Report

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Soil MapThe soil map section includes the soil map for the defined area of interest, a list of soilmap units on the map and extent of each map unit, and cartographic symbolsdisplayed on the map. Also presented are various metadata about data used toproduce the map, and a description of each soil map unit.

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Birch Rd

Sand Hill Rd

Hoffm

an Rd

Galeville Rd

RhA

CnB

HuB HuC

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CnA

CkC

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0 700 1,400 2,100350Feet

0 100 200 30050Meters

41° 38' 25''

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41° 38' 25''74

° 11'

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''

Map Scale: 1:7,180 if printed on A size (8.5" x 11") sheet.

Custom Soil Resource ReportSoil Map

MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION

Area of Interest (AOI)Area of Interest (AOI)

SoilsSoil Map Units

Special Point FeaturesBlowout

Borrow Pit

Clay Spot

Closed Depression

Gravel Pit

Gravelly Spot

Landfill

Lava Flow

Marsh or swamp

Mine or Quarry

Miscellaneous Water

Perennial Water

Rock Outcrop

Saline Spot

Sandy Spot

Severely Eroded Spot

Sinkhole

Slide or Slip

Sodic Spot

Spoil Area

Stony Spot

Very Stony Spot

Wet Spot

Other

Special Line FeaturesGully

Short Steep Slope

Other

Political FeaturesCities

Water FeaturesOceans

Streams and Canals

TransportationRails

Interstate Highways

US Routes

Major Roads

Local Roads

Map Scale: 1:7,180 if printed on A size (8.5" × 11") sheet.

The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:15,840.

Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for accurate mapmeasurements.

Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation ServiceWeb Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.govCoordinate System: UTM Zone 18N NAD83

This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as ofthe version date(s) listed below.

Soil Survey Area: Ulster County, New YorkSurvey Area Data: Version 7, May 9, 2007

Date(s) aerial images were photographed: 8/22/2006

The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines werecompiled and digitized probably differs from the backgroundimagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shiftingof map unit boundaries may be evident.


Map Unit Legend

Ulster County, New York (NY111)

Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

CkC Cayuga silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes 7.9 6.2%

CnA Chenango gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percentslopes

5.3 4.2%

CnB Chenango gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percentslopes

17.1 13.5%

HgC Hoosic gravelly loam, rolling 0.4 0.3%

HgD Hoosic gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percentslopes

6.7 5.3%

HSF Hoosic soils, very steep 8.1 6.4%

HuB Hudson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes 26.9 21.3%

HuC Hudson silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes 16.3 12.9%

HwD Hudson and Schoharie soils, 15 to 25percent slopes

3.2 2.5%

RhA Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes 26.5 21.0%

W Water 0.6 0.5%

Wb Wayland silt loam 7.3 5.8%

Totals for Area of Interest 126.3 100.0%

Map Unit DescriptionsThe map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the soilsor miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along with themaps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit.

A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or moremajor kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and namedaccording to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomicclass there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the landscape,however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the characteristic variabilityof all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observed properties may extendbeyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a single taxonomicclass rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including areas of other taxonomicclasses. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils or miscellaneous areasfor which it is named and some minor components that belong to taxonomic classesother than those of the major soils.

Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in themap unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are callednoncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in aparticular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have propertiesand behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require differentmanagement. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They generally


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are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scale used.Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identifiedby a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a given area, thecontrasting minor components are identified in the map unit descriptions along withsome characteristics of each. A few areas of minor components may not have beenobserved, and consequently they are not mentioned in the descriptions, especiallywhere the pattern was so complex that it was impractical to make enough observationsto identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on the landscape.

The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulnessor accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure taxonomicclasses but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments thathave similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such segmentson the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. Ifintensive use of small areas is planned, however, onsite investigation is needed todefine and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions. Eachdescription includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil propertiesand qualities.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except fordifferences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizonsthat are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.

Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity,degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of suchdifferences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on thedetailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase commonlyindicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpha silt loam, 0to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series.

Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.These map units are complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups.

A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricatepattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps. Thepattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in allareas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example.

An association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils ormiscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present oranticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered practicalor necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The pattern andrelative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar. Alpha-Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.

An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas thatcould be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similarinterpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion ofthe soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can bemade up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made upof all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.

Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil materialand support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.


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Ulster County, New York

CkC—Cayuga silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes

Map Unit SettingMean annual precipitation: 41 to 62 inchesMean annual air temperature: 41 to 50 degrees FFrost-free period: 110 to 200 days

Map Unit CompositionCayuga and similar soils: 80 percent

Description of Cayuga

SettingLandform: Lake plains, till plainsLandform position (two-dimensional): ShoulderLandform position (three-dimensional): Crest, treadDown-slope shape: ConvexAcross-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Clayey glaciolacustrine deposits over loamy till derived from

limestone, dolomite, sandstone, or shale

Properties and qualitiesSlope: 8 to 15 percentDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDrainage class: Well drainedCapacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately low to

moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)Depth to water table: About 18 to 36 inchesFrequency of flooding: NoneFrequency of ponding: NoneCalcium carbonate, maximum content: 15 percentAvailable water capacity: Moderate (about 8.4 inches)

Interpretive groupsLand capability (nonirrigated): 3e

Typical profile0 to 8 inches: Silt loam8 to 29 inches: Silty clay29 to 60 inches: Gravelly clay loam

CnA—Chenango gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Map Unit SettingElevation: 600 to 1,800 feetMean annual precipitation: 41 to 62 inchesMean annual air temperature: 41 to 50 degrees FFrost-free period: 110 to 200 days


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Map Unit CompositionChenango and similar soils: 80 percent

Description of Chenango

SettingLandform: Valley trains, terracesLandform position (two-dimensional): SummitLandform position (three-dimensional): TreadDown-slope shape: ConvexAcross-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Gravelly loamy glaciofluvial deposits over sandy and gravelly

glaciofluvial deposits, derived mainly from sandstone, shale, and siltstone

Properties and qualitiesSlope: 0 to 3 percentDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDrainage class: Well drainedCapacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high

(0.57 to 5.95 in/hr)Depth to water table: More than 80 inchesFrequency of flooding: NoneFrequency of ponding: NoneCalcium carbonate, maximum content: 1 percentAvailable water capacity: Low (about 4.7 inches)

Interpretive groupsLand capability (nonirrigated): 2s

Typical profile0 to 9 inches: Gravelly silt loam9 to 35 inches: Gravelly silt loam35 to 80 inches: Extremely gravelly sand

CnB—Chenango gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes


Map Unit CompositionChenango and similar soils: 80 percent

Description of Chenango

SettingLandform: Valley trains, terracesLandform position (two-dimensional): SummitLandform position (three-dimensional): TreadDown-slope shape: Convex


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Across-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Gravelly loamy glaciofluvial deposits over sandy and gravelly

glaciofluvial deposits, derived mainly from sandstone, shale, and siltstone

Properties and qualitiesSlope: 3 to 8 percentDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDrainage class: Well drainedCapacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high

(0.57 to 5.95 in/hr)Depth to water table: More than 80 inchesFrequency of flooding: NoneFrequency of ponding: NoneCalcium carbonate, maximum content: 1 percentAvailable water capacity: Low (about 4.7 inches)

Interpretive groupsLand capability (nonirrigated): 2s

Typical profile0 to 9 inches: Gravelly silt loam9 to 35 inches: Gravelly silt loam35 to 80 inches: Extremely gravelly sand

HgC—Hoosic gravelly loam, rolling


Map Unit CompositionHoosic and similar soils: 80 percent

Description of Hoosic

SettingLandform: Deltas, outwash plains, terracesLandform position (two-dimensional): ShoulderLandform position (three-dimensional): TreadDown-slope shape: ConvexAcross-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Sandy and gravelly glaciofluvial deposits

Properties and qualitiesSlope: 5 to 16 percentDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDrainage class: Somewhat excessively drainedCapacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): High to very high (1.98

to 19.98 in/hr)Depth to water table: More than 80 inchesFrequency of flooding: None


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Frequency of ponding: NoneAvailable water capacity: Very low (about 2.6 inches)


Typical profile0 to 8 inches: Gravelly loam8 to 14 inches: Gravelly loam14 to 30 inches: Very gravelly loamy sand30 to 80 inches: Stratified extremely gravelly sand

HgD—Hoosic gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes




SettingLandform: Deltas, outwash plains, terracesLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): RiserDown-slope shape: ConvexAcross-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Sandy and gravelly glaciofluvial deposits


to 19.98 in/hr)Depth to water table: More than 80 inchesFrequency of flooding: NoneFrequency of ponding: NoneAvailable water capacity: Very low (about 2.6 inches)


Typical profile0 to 8 inches: Gravelly loam8 to 14 inches: Gravelly loam14 to 30 inches: Very gravelly loamy sand30 to 80 inches: Stratified extremely gravelly sand


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HSF—Hoosic soils, very steep




SettingLandform: Deltas, outwash plains, terracesLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): RiserDown-slope shape: ConvexAcross-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Sandy and gravelly glaciofluvial deposits


to 19.98 in/hr)Depth to water table: More than 80 inchesFrequency of flooding: NoneFrequency of ponding: NoneAvailable water capacity: Very low (about 2.6 inches)


Typical profile0 to 8 inches: Gravelly sandy loam8 to 14 inches: Gravelly loam14 to 30 inches: Very gravelly loamy sand30 to 80 inches: Stratified extremely gravelly sand

HuB—Hudson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes

Map Unit SettingElevation: 300 to 1,800 feetMean annual precipitation: 41 to 62 inchesMean annual air temperature: 41 to 50 degrees F


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Frost-free period: 110 to 200 days

Map Unit CompositionHudson and similar soils: 85 percent

Description of Hudson

SettingLandform: Lake plainsLandform position (two-dimensional): SummitLandform position (three-dimensional): TreadDown-slope shape: ConcaveAcross-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Clayey and silty glaciolacustrine deposits

Properties and qualitiesSlope: 3 to 8 percentDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDrainage class: Moderately well drainedCapacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately low to

moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)Depth to water table: About 18 to 24 inchesFrequency of flooding: NoneFrequency of ponding: NoneCalcium carbonate, maximum content: 20 percentAvailable water capacity: High (about 9.5 inches)


Typical profile0 to 7 inches: Silt loam7 to 25 inches: Silty clay loam25 to 38 inches: Silty clay38 to 60 inches: Stratified silty clay to silt loam

HuC—Hudson silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes


Map Unit CompositionHudson and similar soils: 80 percent


SettingLandform: Lake plainsLandform position (two-dimensional): SummitLandform position (three-dimensional): Tread


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Down-slope shape: ConcaveAcross-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Clayey and silty glaciolacustrine deposits


moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)Depth to water table: About 18 to 24 inchesFrequency of flooding: NoneFrequency of ponding: NoneCalcium carbonate, maximum content: 20 percentAvailable water capacity: High (about 9.5 inches)



HwD—Hudson and Schoharie soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes


Map Unit CompositionHudson and similar soils: 40 percentSchoharie and similar soils: 35 percent


SettingLandform: Lake plainsLandform position (two-dimensional): SummitLandform position (three-dimensional): RiserDown-slope shape: ConcaveAcross-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Clayey and silty glaciolacustrine deposits


moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)


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Depth to water table: About 18 to 24 inchesFrequency of flooding: NoneFrequency of ponding: NoneCalcium carbonate, maximum content: 20 percentAvailable water capacity: High (about 9.5 inches)



Description of Schoharie

SettingLandform: Lake plainsLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): RiserDown-slope shape: ConvexAcross-slope shape: ConvexParent material: Reddish clayey and silty glaciolacustrine deposits

Properties and qualitiesSlope: 15 to 25 percentDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDrainage class: Well drainedCapacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately low to



Typical profile0 to 10 inches: Silt loam10 to 36 inches: Silty clay36 to 50 inches: Stratified silty clay to silty clay loam

RhA—Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes



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Map Unit CompositionRhinebeck and similar soils: 80 percent

Description of Rhinebeck

SettingLandform: Lake plainsLandform position (two-dimensional): FootslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): TreadDown-slope shape: ConcaveAcross-slope shape: LinearParent material: Clayey and silty glaciolacustrine deposits

Properties and qualitiesSlope: 0 to 3 percentDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDrainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedCapacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately low to


Interpretive groupsLand capability (nonirrigated): 3w

Typical profile0 to 10 inches: Silt loam10 to 35 inches: Silty clay loam35 to 50 inches: Stratified silty clay to silt loam

W—Water

Map Unit SettingMean annual precipitation: 41 to 62 inchesMean annual air temperature: 41 to 50 degrees FFrost-free period: 110 to 200 days

Map Unit CompositionWater: 100 percent

Wb—Wayland silt loam

Map Unit SettingElevation: 200 to 1,500 feetMean annual precipitation: 41 to 62 inches


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Mean annual air temperature: 41 to 50 degrees FFrost-free period: 110 to 200 days

Map Unit CompositionWayland and similar soils: 80 percent

Description of Wayland

SettingLandform: Flood plainsLandform position (two-dimensional): ToeslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): DipDown-slope shape: ConcaveAcross-slope shape: ConcaveParent material: Silty and clayey alluvium washed from uplands that contain some

calcareous drift

Properties and qualitiesSlope: 0 to 1 percentDepth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inchesDrainage class: Very poorly drainedCapacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately low to

moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)Depth to water table: About 0 inchesFrequency of flooding: FrequentFrequency of ponding: FrequentCalcium carbonate, maximum content: 1 percentAvailable water capacity: High (about 9.4 inches)

Interpretive groupsLand capability (nonirrigated): 5w

Typical profile0 to 5 inches: Silt loam5 to 24 inches: Silty clay loam24 to 60 inches: Silt loam


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Soil Information for All Uses

Suitabilities and Limitations for UseThe Suitabilities and Limitations for Use section includes various soil interpretationsdisplayed as thematic maps with a summary table for the soil map units in the selectedarea of interest. A single value or rating for each map unit is generated by aggregatingthe interpretive ratings of individual map unit components. This aggregation processis defined for each interpretation.

Land Classifications

Land Classifications are specified land use and management groupings that areassigned to soil areas because combinations of soil have similar behavior for specifiedpractices. Most are based on soil properties and other factors that directly influencethe specific use of the soil. Example classifications include ecological siteclassification, farmland classification, irrigated and nonirrigated land capabilityclassification, and hydric rating.

Farmland Classification (Mercaldi)

Farmland classification identifies map units as prime farmland, farmland of statewideimportance, farmland of local importance, or unique farmland. It identifies the locationand extent of the soils that are best suited to food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseedcrops. NRCS policy and procedures on prime and unique farmlands are published inthe "Federal Register," Vol. 43, No. 21, January 31, 1978.

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Birch Rd

Sand Hill Rd

Hoffm

an Rd

Galeville Rd

RhA

CnB

HuB HuC

Wb

HSF

HuB

CnA

CkC

HgD

HuC HwD

RhA

HgD

CkC

HuB

HuB

HuB

HuB

CkC

CnA

W

W

HgC

567500

567500

567600

567600

567700

567700

567800

567800

567900

567900

568000

568000

568100

568100

568200

568200

568300

568300

568400

568400

568500

568500

568600

568600

568700

568700

568800

568800

568900

568900

4609

200

4609

200

4609

300

4609

300

4609

400

4609

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4609

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4609

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4609

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4609

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4610

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4610

000

4610

100

4610

100

0 700 1,400 2,100350Feet

0 100 200 30050Meters

41° 38' 25''

74° 1

0' 20

''

41° 37' 52''

74° 1

0' 21

''

41° 37' 53''

41° 38' 25''74

° 11'

26''

74° 1

1' 25

''


Custom Soil Resource ReportMap—Farmland Classification (Mercaldi)



SoilsSoil Map Units

Soil RatingsNot prime farmland

All areas are primefarmlandPrime farmland if drained

Prime farmland ifprotected from flooding ornot frequently floodedduring the growing seasonPrime farmland if irrigated

Prime farmland if drainedand either protected fromflooding or not frequentlyflooded during the growingseasonPrime farmland if irrigatedand drainedPrime farmland if irrigatedand either protected fromflooding or not frequentlyflooded during the growingseason

Prime farmland ifsubsoiled, completelyremoving the rootinhibiting soil layerPrime farmland if irrigatedand the product of I (soilerodibility) x C (climatefactor) does not exceed 60Prime farmland if irrigatedand reclaimed of excesssalts and sodiumFarmland of statewideimportanceFarmland of localimportanceFarmland of uniqueimportanceNot rated or not available



Streams and Canals

TransportationRails

Interstate Highways

US Routes

Major Roads

Local Roads


The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at1:15,840.



This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data asof the version date(s) listed below.





Table—Farmland Classification (Mercaldi)

Farmland Classification— Summary by Map Unit — Ulster County, New York

Map unit symbol Map unit name Rating Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

CkC Cayuga silt loam, 8 to 15percent slopes

Farmland of statewide importance 7.9 6.2%

CnA Chenango gravelly silt loam, 0to 3 percent slopes

All areas are prime farmland 5.3 4.2%

CnB Chenango gravelly silt loam, 3to 8 percent slopes


HgC Hoosic gravelly loam, rolling Farmland of statewide importance 0.4 0.3%

HgD Hoosic gravelly loam, 15 to 25percent slopes

Not prime farmland 6.7 5.3%

HSF Hoosic soils, very steep Not prime farmland 8.1 6.4%

HuB Hudson silt loam, 3 to 8 percentslopes


HuC Hudson silt loam, 8 to 15percent slopes

Farmland of statewide importance 16.3 12.9%

HwD Hudson and Schoharie soils, 15to 25 percent slopes

Not prime farmland 3.2 2.5%

RhA Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 3percent slopes

Prime farmland if drained 26.5 21.0%

W Water Not prime farmland 0.6 0.5%

Wb Wayland silt loam Not prime farmland 7.3 5.8%


Rating Options—Farmland Classification (Mercaldi)

Aggregation Method: No Aggregation Necessary

Aggregation is the process by which a set of component attribute values is reducedto a single value that represents the map unit as a whole.

A map unit is typically composed of one or more "components". A component is eithersome type of soil or some nonsoil entity, e.g., rock outcrop. For the attribute beingaggregated, the first step of the aggregation process is to derive one attribute valuefor each of a map unit's components. From this set of component attributes, the nextstep of the aggregation process derives a single value that represents the map unitas a whole. Once a single value for each map unit is derived, a thematic map for soilmap units can be rendered. Aggregation must be done because, on any soil map, mapunits are delineated but components are not.

For each of a map unit's components, a corresponding percent composition isrecorded. A percent composition of 60 indicates that the corresponding componenttypically makes up approximately 60% of the map unit. Percent composition is a criticalfactor in some, but not all, aggregation methods.


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The majority of soil attributes are associated with a component of a map unit, and suchan attribute has to be aggregated to the map unit level before a thematic map can berendered. Map units, however, also have their own attributes. An attribute of a mapunit does not have to be aggregated in order to render a corresponding thematic map.Therefore, the "aggregation method" for any attribute of a map unit is referred to as"No Aggregation Necessary".

Tie-break Rule: Lower

The tie-break rule indicates which value should be selected from a set of multiplecandidate values, or which value should be selected in the event of a percentcomposition tie.

Sanitary Facilities

Sanitary Facilities interpretations are tools designed to guide the user in site selectionfor the safe disposal of sewage and solid waste. Example interpretations include septictank absorption fields, sewage lagoons, and sanitary landfills.

Septic Tank Absorption Fields (NY) (Mercaldi)

Septic tank absorption fields are subsurface systems of perforated pipe or similardevices that distribute effluent from a septic tank into the soil. New York StateDepartment of Health regulations allow installation of septic system absorption fieldsof varying designs, depending upon the depth of suitable soil material above anylimitation in the natural soil at a site (New York State Department of Health, 1990).Where necessary, imported fill material may be used to elevate absorption trenchesto at least the minimum distance of 24 inches above limiting soil horizons. The depthranges of suitable material and corresponding types of absorption systems allowedare as follows:

Less than 12 inches-no system allowed

12 to 24 inches-alternative raised trench

24 to 48 inches-conventional shallow trench

More than 48 inches-conventional system

The ratings in this interpretation are based on evaluation of the soil between depthsof 12 and 48 inches. In addition, the bottom layer of the soil is evaluated for risk ofseepage. This interpretation does not evaluate bedrock below the soil. The soilproperties and site features considered are those that affect absorption of the effluent,construction and maintenance of the system, and public health.

The soil properties and qualities that affect the absorption and effective treatment ofwastewater effluent are saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), depth to a seasonalhigh water table, depth to bedrock, depth to dense material, and susceptibility toflooding. Stones and boulders and a shallow depth to bedrock or dense materialinterfere with installation. Excessive slope may cause lateral seepage and surfacing


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of the effluent in downslope areas. In addition, the hazards of erosion andsedimentation increase as slope increases.

Some soils are underlain by loose sand and gravel or fractured bedrock at a depth ofless than 2 feet below the distribution lines. In these soils the absorption field may notadequately filter the effluent, particularly when the system is new. As a result, groundwater may be contaminated.

The ratings are both verbal and numerical. Rating class terms indicate the extent towhich the soils are limited by all of the soil features that affect the specified use. "Notlimited" indicates that the soil has features that are very favorable for the specifieduse. Good performance and very low maintenance can be expected. "Somewhatlimited" indicates that the soil has features that are moderately favorable for thespecified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special planning,design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected."Very limited" indicates that the soil has one or more features that are unfavorable forthe specified use. The limitations generally cannot be overcome without major soilreclamation, special design, or expensive installation procedures. Poor performanceand high maintenance can be expected.

Numerical ratings indicate the severity of individual limitations. The ratings are shownas decimal fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate gradations between thepoint at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact on the use (1.00) andthe point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00).

The map unit components listed for each map unit in the accompanying Summary byMap Unit table in Web Soil Survey or the Aggregation Report in Soil Data Viewer aredetermined by the aggregation method chosen, which is displayed on the report. Anaggregated rating class is shown for each map unit. The components listed for eachmap unit are only those that have the same rating class as listed for the map unit. Thepercent composition of each component in a particular map unit is presented to helpthe user better understand the percentage of each map unit that has the ratingpresented.

Other components with different ratings may be present in each map unit. The ratingsfor all components, regardless of the map unit aggregated rating, can be viewed bygenerating the Selected Soil Interpretations report with this interpretation includedfrom the Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey or from the Soil Data Mart site. Onsiteinvestigation may be needed to validate these interpretations and to confirm theidentity of the soil on a given site.

The information in this interpretation is based on criteria developed specifically forsoils in New York. The information is not site specific and does not eliminate the needfor onsite investigation of the soils.

Reference:


27

New York State Department of Health. 1990. Appendix 75-A of Part 75, Section 201(1)(1) of New York Public Health Law. Nassau and Suffolk Counties have a waiver fromthis portion of New York State Department of Health regulations.


28

Birch Rd

Sand Hill Rd

Hoffm

an Rd

Galeville Rd

RhA

CnB

HuB HuC

Wb

HSF

HuB

CnA

CkC

HgD

HuC HwD

RhA

HgD

CkC

HuB

HuB

HuB

HuB

CkC

CnA

W

W

HgC

567500

567500

567600

567600

567700

567700

567800

567800

567900

567900

568000

568000

568100

568100

568200

568200

568300

568300

568400

568400

568500

568500

568600

568600

568700

568700

568800

568800

568900

568900

4609

200

4609

200

4609

300

4609

300

4609

400

4609

400

4609

500

4609

500

4609

600

4609

600

4609

700

4609

700

4609

800

4609

800

4609

900

4609

900

4610

000

4610

000

4610

100

4610

100

0 700 1,400 2,100350Feet

0 100 200 30050Meters

41° 38' 25''

74° 1

0' 20

''

41° 37' 52''

74° 1

0' 21

''

41° 37' 53''

41° 38' 25''74

° 11'

26''

74° 1

1' 25

''


Custom Soil Resource ReportMap—Septic Tank Absorption Fields (NY) (Mercaldi)



SoilsSoil Map Units

Soil RatingsVery limited

Somewhat limited

Not limited

not rated or not available



Streams and Canals

TransportationRails

Interstate Highways

US Routes

Major Roads

Local Roads


The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:15,840.



This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as ofthe version date(s) listed below.





Tables—Septic Tank Absorption Fields (NY) (Mercaldi)

Septic Tank Absorption Fields (NY)— Summary by Map Unit — Ulster County, New York

Map unitsymbol

Map unit name Rating Component name(percent)

Rating reasons (numericvalues)

Acres inAOI

Percent of AOI

CkC Cayuga silt loam, 8to 15 percentslopes

Very limited Cayuga (80%) Restricted permeability(1.00)

7.9 6.2%

Depth to saturated zone(0.80)

Slope (0.20)

CnA Chenango gravellysilt loam, 0 to 3percent slopes

Somewhat limited Chenango (80%) Seepage (0.90) 5.3 4.2%

CnB Chenango gravellysilt loam, 3 to 8percent slopes

Somewhat limited Chenango (80%) Seepage (0.90) 17.1 13.5%

HgC Hoosic gravellyloam, rolling

Very limited Hoosic (80%) Slope (1.00) 0.4 0.3%

Seepage (1.00)

Filtering capacity (1.00)

HgD Hoosic gravellyloam, 15 to 25percent slopes


Seepage (1.00)


HSF Hoosic soils, verysteep


Seepage (1.00)


HuB Hudson silt loam, 3to 8 percentslopes

Very limited Hudson (85%) Restricted permeability(1.00)

26.9 21.3%


HuC Hudson silt loam, 8to 15 percentslopes


16.3 12.9%


Slope (0.20)

HwD Hudson andSchoharie soils,15 to 25 percentslopes


3.2 2.5%

Slope (1.00)


Schoharie (35%) Restricted permeability(1.00)

Slope (1.00)



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Septic Tank Absorption Fields (NY)— Summary by Map Unit — Ulster County, New York

Map unitsymbol

Map unit name Rating Component name(percent)

Rating reasons (numericvalues)

Acres inAOI

Percent of AOI

RhA Rhinebeck silt loam,0 to 3 percentslopes

Very limited Rhinebeck (80%) Restricted permeability(1.00)

26.5 21.0%


W Water Not rated Water (100%) 0.6 0.5%

Wb Wayland silt loam Very limited Wayland (80%) Flooding (1.00) 7.3 5.8%

Restricted permeability(1.00)

Ponding (1.00)



Septic Tank Absorption Fields (NY)— Summary by Rating Value

Rating Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

Very limited 103.2 81.8%

Somewhat limited 22.4 17.8%

Null or Not Rated 0.6 0.5%


Rating Options—Septic Tank Absorption Fields (NY) (Mercaldi)

Aggregation Method: Dominant Condition

Component Percent Cutoff: None Specified

Tie-break Rule: Higher


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ReferencesAmerican Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). 2004.Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling andtesting. 24th edition.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification ofsoils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00.

Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification ofwetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceFWS/OBS-79/31.

Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States.

Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States.

Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric soilsin the United States.

National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries.

Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service. U.S.Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://soils.usda.gov/

Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for makingand interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation Service,U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http://soils.usda.gov/

Soil Survey Staff. 2006. Keys to soil taxonomy. 10th edition. U.S. Department ofAgriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http://soils.usda.gov/

Tiner, R.W., Jr. 1985. Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service andDelaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, WetlandsSection.

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps ofEngineers wetlands delineation manual. Waterways Experiment Station TechnicalReport Y-87-1.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.National forestry manual. http://soils.usda.gov/

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.National range and pasture handbook. http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://soils.usda.gov/

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, theCaribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.http://soils.usda.gov/

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http://soils.usda.gov/




http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/




United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Landcapability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210.


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