In cooperation withCornell UniversityAgriculturalExperiment Station

United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

NaturalResourcesConservationService

Soil Survey ofDutchess County,New York

General Soil Map

The general soil map, which is a color map, shows the survey area divided into groups of associated soils calledgeneral soil map units. This map is useful in planning the use and management of large areas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the map, identify the name of the map unit in thearea on the color-coded map legend, then refer to the section General Soil Map Units for a general description ofthe soils in your area.

Detailed Soil Maps

The detailed soil maps can be useful in planning the use andmanagement of small areas.

To find information about your areaof interest, locate that area on theIndex to Map Sheets. Note thenumber of the map sheet and turnto that sheet.

Locate your area of interest onthe map sheet. Note the map unitsymbols that are in that area. Turnto the Index to Map Units (seeContents), which lists the map unitsby symbol and name and showsthe page where each map unit isdescribed.

The Contents shows which tablehas data on a specific land use foreach detailed soil map unit. Alsosee the Contents for sections ofthis publication that may addressyour specific needs.

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How to Use This Soil Survey

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Additional information about the Nation’s natural resources is available on theNatural Resources Conservation Service home page on the World Wide Web.The address is http://www.nrcs.usda.gov (click on “Technical Resources”).

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effortof the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, Stateagencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. TheNatural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) hasleadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

An earlier soil survey of Dutchess County was published by the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture in 1955 (USDA, 1955). This survey updates the earlier oneand provides additional information and maps that show the soils in greater detail.

Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 1991. Soil names anddescriptions were approved in 1992. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in thispublication refer to conditions in the survey area in 1992. This survey was madecooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the CornellUniversity Agricultural Experiment Station. The survey is part of the technicalassistance furnished to the Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District.Partial funding for this survey was provided by the Dutchess County Legislature withsupport from the County Executive. Additional funding was also provided by New YorkState Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of thesemaps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged,maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at alarger scale.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all itsprograms and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age,disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not allprohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who requirealternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print,audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice andTDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunityprovider and employer.

Cover: Area of Nassau-Rock Outcrop-Cardigan association in the foreground overlooking theHudson River.

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Contents

Cover ....................................................................... 1How to Use This Soil Survey ................................. 3Contents .................................................................. 5Foreword ................................................................. 9General Nature of the County ................................. 11

Climate ............................................................... 11History and Development ................................... 12Transportation Facilities ..................................... 12Physiography and Geology ................................ 12Drainage ............................................................ 13Water Supply ...................................................... 14

How This Survey Was Made .................................. 14General Soil Map Units ........................................ 17Detailed Soil Map Units ........................................ 25

BeB—Bernardston silt loam, 3 to 8 percentslopes .......................................................... 26

BeC—Bernardston silt loam, 8 to 15 percentslopes .......................................................... 27

BeD—Bernardston silt loam, 15 to 25 percentslopes .......................................................... 28

BeE—Bernardston silt loam, 25 to 45 percentslopes .......................................................... 29

BgB—Bernardston-Urban land complex, 3 to 8percent slopes ............................................. 30

Ca—Canandaigua silt loam, neutral substratum ... 30Cc—Carlisle muck .............................................. 31ChB—Charlton loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ....... 32ChC—Charlton loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes ..... 33ChD—Charlton loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ... 34ChE—Charlton loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes.... 35ClC—Charlton loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes,

very stony .................................................... 36ClD—Charlton loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes,

very stony .................................................... 36ClE—Charlton loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes,

very stony .................................................... 37CrB—Charlton-Chatfield complex, undulating,

rocky ............................................................ 38CrC—Charlton-Chatfield complex, rolling,

rocky ............................................................ 39CrD—Charlton-Chatfield complex, hilly, rocky .... 40CrE—Charlton-Chatfield complex, steep,

rocky ............................................................ 42

CtB—Chatfield-Hollis complex, undulating, veryrocky ............................................................ 43

CtC—Chatfield-Hollis complex, rolling, veryrocky ............................................................ 44

CtD—Chatfield-Hollis complex, hilly, veryrocky ............................................................ 45

CuA—Copake gravelly silt loam, nearly level ..... 46CuB—Copake gravelly silt loam, undulating ....... 47CuC—Copake gravelly silt loam, rolling ............. 48CuD—Copake gravelly silt loam, hilly ................. 50CuE—Copake gravelly silt loam, 25 to 45

percent slopes ............................................. 51CwA—Copake channery silt loam, fan, 0 to 3

percent slopes ............................................. 51CwB—Copake channery silt loam, fan, 3 to 8

percent slopes ............................................. 52CxB—Copake-Urban land complex, undulating . 53DuB—Dutchess silt loam, 3 to 8 percent

slopes .......................................................... 54DuC—Dutchess silt loam, 8 to 15 percent

slopes .......................................................... 55DuD—Dutchess silt loam, 15 to 25 percent

slopes .......................................................... 56DwB—Dutchess-Cardigan complex, undulating,

rocky ............................................................ 57DwC—Dutchess-Cardigan complex, rolling,

rocky ............................................................ 58DwD—Dutchess-Cardigan complex, hilly,

rocky ............................................................ 60DxB—Dutchess-Cardigan-Urban land complex,

undulating, rocky .......................................... 61DxC—Dutchess-Cardigan-Urban land complex,

rolling, rocky ................................................ 62FcB—Farmington-Galway complex, undulating,

very rocky .................................................... 64FcC—Farmington-Galway complex, rolling, very

rocky ............................................................ 65FcD—Farmington-Galway complex, hilly, very rocky

66FeE—Farmington-Rock outcrop complex,

steep ............................................................ 68Ff—Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex,

frequently flooded ........................................ 68

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Fr—Fredon silt loam ........................................... 69GfB—Galway-Farmington complex, undulating,

rocky ............................................................ 70GfC—Galway-Farmington complex, rolling,

rocky ............................................................ 72GfD—Galway-Farmington complex, hilly ............ 73GlB—Galway-Farmington-Urban land complex,

undulating, rocky .......................................... 75GlC—Galway-Farmington-Urban land complex,

rolling, rocky ................................................ 76GsA—Georgia silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ... 77GsB—Georgia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ... 78GsC—Georgia silt loam, 8 to 15 percent

slopes .......................................................... 79Ha—Halsey mucky silt loam............................... 80HeA—Haven loam, nearly level .......................... 81HeB—Haven loam, undulating ........................... 81Hf—Haven-Urban land complex ......................... 82HoC—Hollis-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex,

rolling ........................................................... 83HoD—Hollis-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex,

hilly .............................................................. 84HoE—Hollis-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex,

steep ............................................................ 85HoF—Hollis-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex,

very steep .................................................... 86HsA—Hoosic gravelly loam, nearly level ............ 87HsB—Hoosic gravelly loam, undulating .............. 88HsC—Hoosic gravelly loam, rolling .................... 89HsD—Hoosic gravelly loam, hilly ........................ 90HsE—Hoosic gravelly loam, 25 to 45 percent

slopes .......................................................... 91HtA—Hoosic channery loam, fan, 0 to 3

percent slopes ............................................. 92HtB—Hoosic channery loam, fan, 3 to 8

percent slopes ............................................. 93HuA—Hoosic-Urban land complex, nearly level .. 94HuB—Hoosic-Urban land complex, undulating ... 94HvB—Hudson and Vergennes soils, 3 to 8

percent slopes ............................................. 95HvC—Hudson and Vergennes soils, 8 to 15

percent slopes ............................................. 97HvD—Hudson and Vergennes soils, hilly ........... 98HvE—Hudson and Vergennes soils, steep ......... 99

Hy—Hydraquents and Medisaprists soils,ponded ....................................................... 101

Kn—Kingsbury and Rhinebeck soils ................ 101KrA—Knickerbocker fine sandy loam, nearly

level ........................................................... 103KrB—Knickerbocker fine sandy loam,

undulating .................................................. 103KrC—Knickerbocker fine sandy loam, rolling ... 104KrD—Knickerbocker fine sandy loam, hilly ....... 105KuA—Knickerbocker - Urban land complex,

nearly level ................................................. 106KuB—Knickerbocker-Urban land complex,

undulating .................................................. 107Ln—Linlithgo silt loam ...................................... 107Lv—Livingston silty clay loam........................... 108McC—Macomber-Taconic complex, rolling,

very rocky .................................................. 109MnA—Massena silt loam, 0 to 3 percent

slopes ........................................................ 110MnB—Massena silt loam, 3 to 8 percent

slopes ........................................................ 111NwB—Nassau-Cardigan complex, undulating,

very rocky .................................................. 112NwC—Nassau-Cardigan complex, rolling,

very rocky .................................................. 113NwD-Nassau-Cardigan complex, hilly, very

rocky .......................................................... 115NxE—Nassau-Rock outcrop complex, steep ... 116NxF—Nassau-Rock outcrop complex, very

steep .......................................................... 117Pc—Palms muck .............................................. 117Pg—Pawling silt loam....................................... 118Ps—Pits, gravel ................................................ 119Pu—Pits, quarry ............................................... 119PwB—Pittstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent

slopes ........................................................ 119PwC—Pittstown silt loam, 8 to 15 percent

slopes ........................................................ 120PzA—Punsit silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes .... 121PzB—Punsit silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes .... 122Ra—Raynham silt loam.................................... 123Sc—Scio silt loam ............................................ 124SkB—Stockbridge silt loam, 3 to 8 percent

slopes ........................................................ 125

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SkC—Stockbridge silt loam, 8 to 15 percentslopes ........................................................ 126

SkD—Stockbridge silt loam, 15 to 25 percentslopes ........................................................ 128

SkE—Stockbridge silt loam, 25 to 45 percentslopes ........................................................ 129

SmB—Stockbridge-Farmington complex,undulating, rocky ........................................ 129

SmC—Stockbridge-Farmington complex,rolling, rocky .............................................. 131

SmD—Stockbridge-Farmington complex,hilly, rocky .................................................. 132

SrB—Stockbridge-Urban land complex, 3 to 8percent slopes ........................................... 133

Su—Sun silt loam ............................................. 134TmD—Taconic-Macomber-Rock outcrop

complex, hilly ............................................. 135TrE—Taconic-Rock outcrop complex, steep..... 136TrF—Taconic-Rock outcrop complex, very

steep .......................................................... 137Ud-Udorthents, smoothed ................................ 138Ue—Udorthents, wet substratum ..................... 138UnB—Unadilla silt loam, undulating ................. 138Ur—Urban land ................................................ 139We—Wappinger loam ...................................... 139Wy—Wayland silt loam .................................... 140

Prime Farmland .................................................. 143Use and Management of the Soils .................... 145

Crops and Pasture ........................................... 145Woodland Management and Productivity ......... 147Recreation ........................................................ 149Wildlife Habitat ................................................. 150Engineering ...................................................... 151

Building Site Development ........................... 151Sanitary Facilities ......................................... 153Construction Materials ................................. 154Water Management ...................................... 155

Soil Properties .................................................... 157Engineering Index Properties ........................... 157Physical and Chemical Properties .................... 158Soil and Water Features ................................... 159Engineering Properties of Geologic Deposits ... 160

Classification of the Soils .................................. 163Soil Series and Their Morphology ......................... 163

Bernardston Series .......................................... 163

Canandaigua Series ......................................... 164Cardigan Series ............................................... 165Carlisle Series .................................................. 165Charlton Series ................................................ 166Chatfield Series ................................................ 167Copake Series.................................................. 167Dutchess Series ............................................... 168Farmington Series ............................................ 169Fluvaquents...................................................... 169Fredon Series ................................................... 170Galway Series .................................................. 170Georgia Series ................................................. 171Halsey Series ................................................... 172Haven Series.................................................... 172Hollis Series ..................................................... 173Hoosic Series ................................................... 174Hudson Series.................................................. 175Hydraquents ..................................................... 175Kingsbury Series .............................................. 176Knickerbocker Series ....................................... 177Linlithgo Series ................................................. 177Livingston Series .............................................. 178Macomber Series ............................................. 178Massena Series ............................................... 179Medisaprists ..................................................... 180Nassau Series .................................................. 180Palms Series .................................................... 181Pawling Series ................................................. 181Pittstown Series ............................................... 182Punsit Series .................................................... 183Raynham Series ............................................... 183Rhinebeck Series ............................................. 184Scio Series ....................................................... 185Stockbridge Series ........................................... 185Sun Series ....................................................... 186Taconic Series .................................................. 187Udifluvents ....................................................... 187Udorthents ....................................................... 188Unadilla Series ................................................. 188Vergennes Series ............................................. 189Wappinger Series ............................................. 190Wayland Series ................................................ 190

Formation of the Soils ........................................ 193References .......................................................... 197Glossary .............................................................. 199

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Tables .................................................................. 213Table 1.—Temperature and Precipitation .......... 214Table 2.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall ....... 215Table 3.—Growing Season ............................... 215Table 4.—Acreage and Proportionate Extent

of the Soils ................................................. 216Table 5.—Prime Farmland ................................ 219Table 6.—Land Capability Classes and Yields

per Acre of Crops and Pasture ................... 220Table 7.—Capability Classes and Subclasses .. 228Table 8.—Woodland Management and

Productivity ................................................ 229Table 9.—Recreational Development ............... 245

Table 10.—Wildlife Habitat ............................... 258Table 11.—Building Site Development .............. 269Table 12.—Sanitary Facilities ........................... 282Table 13.—Construction Materials .................... 295Table 14.—Water Management ........................ 306Table 15.—Engineering Index Properties ......... 318Table 16.—Physical and Chemical Properties

of the Soils ................................................. 339Table 17.—Soil and Water Features ................. 348Table 18.—The Relationship Between Soils,

their Parent Material, Landscape Position,and Drainage ............................................. 353

Table 19.—Classification of the Soils ................ 356

Issued 2001

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This soil survey contains information that affects land use planning in this surveyarea. It contains predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The survey alsohighlights limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and the impactof selected land uses on the environment.

This soil survey is designed for many different users. Farmers, foresters, andagronomists can use it to evaluate the potential of the soil and the managementneeded for maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials,engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers can use the survey to plan land use,select sites for construction, and identify special practices needed to ensure properperformance. Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation,wildlife management, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the survey to helpthem understand, protect, and enhance the environment.

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils areseasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are shallow to bedrock. Some are toounstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils arepoorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soilpoorly suited to basements or underground installations.

These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soilsurvey. Broad areas of soils are shown on the general soil map. The location of eachsoil is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in the survey area is described.Information on specific uses is given for each soil. Help in using this publication andadditional information are available at the local office of the Natural ResourcesConservation Service or the Cooperative Extension Service.

Wayne M. MareschState ConservationistNatural Resources Conservation Service

Foreword

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General Nature of the County

DUTCHESS COUNTY is in the easternmost part of themid-Hudson Valley in New York state (fig. 1). It covers514,600 acres, or 804 square miles. The county has apopulation of 245,055. Poughkeepsie, the county seat,is in the west-central part of the county adjacent to theHudson River and has a population of 29,757 (US.Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, 1991).

This section gives general information about thecounty. It describes climate, early history,transportation facilities, geology, drainage, and waterresources.

Climate

In Dutchess County, winters are cold and summersare moderately warm with occasional hot spells.Mountains are markedly cooler than the mainagricultural areas in the lowlands. Precipitation is welldistributed throughout the year and is nearly alwaysadequate for all crops. Winter snows occur frequently,occasionally as blizzards. Snow covers the groundmuch of the time.

Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitationfor the survey area as recorded at Millbrook, NewYork, in the period 1951 to 1988. Table 2 showsprobable dates of the first freeze in fall and the lastfreeze in spring. Table 3 provides data on length of thegrowing season.

In winter, the average temperature is 26 degrees Fand the average daily minimum temperature is 16degrees. The lowest temperature on record, which

occurred at Millbroook on January 12, 1981, is -28degrees. In summer, the average temperature is 68degrees and the average daily maximum temperatureis 80 degrees. The highest recorded temperature,which occurred on September 2, 1953, is 99 degrees.

Growing degree days are shown in table 1. Theyare equivalent to “heat units.” During the month,growing degree days accumulate by the amount thatthe average temperature each day exceeds a basetemperature (40 degrees F). The normal monthlyaccumulation is used to schedule single or successiveplantings of a crop between the last freeze in springand the first freeze in fall.

Of the total annual precipitation, 22 inches, or 55percent, usually falls in April through September. The

Soil Survey of

Dutchess County, New YorkBy Marjorie Faber, Soil Survey Party Leader, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Fieldwork by Roger J. Case, Marjorie Faber, Wendy A. Greenberg, Stephen J. Page,Natural Resources Conservation Service

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,in cooperation withCornell University Agricultural Experiment Station

Figure 1.—Location of Dutchess County in New York.

ALBANY

✪

12 Soil Survey

growing season for most crops falls within this period.In 2 years out of 10, the rainfall in April throughSeptember is less than 18 inches. The heaviest 1-dayrainfall during the period of record was 5.68 inches onJune 30, 1973. Thunderstorms occur on about 26days each year, and most occur in summer.

The average seasonal snowfall is about 49 inches.The greatest snow depth at any one time during theperiod of record was 37 inches. On the average, 22days of the year have at least 1 inch of snow on theground. The number of such days varies greatly fromyear to year.

The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon isabout 60 percent. Humidity is higher at night, and theaverage at dawn is about 80 percent. The sun shines60 percent of the time possible in summer and 45percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from thesouth. Average windspeed is highest, 11 miles perhour, in spring.

History and Development

Dutchess County was settled by the DelawareIndians, also known as the Algonquins. Several tribes,including the Mohicans and Wappingers, lived on theeast side of the Hudson River. These Indians weresedentary, living in small permanent villages, growingcrops such as maize and squash.

Dutch settlement of the county began in the late1600s. English Quakers, from Rhode Island and LongIsland, moved into the eastern part of the county in the1740s, followed by other English settlers from NewYork City and Connecticut.

During the early period, Dutchess County includedall of Putnam County and part of Columbia County.The county was divided into 13 patents (very largeparcels) owned by influential New Yorkers. After 1750,settlers were allowed to buy and sell their own land.Villages were established and farms flourishedthroughout the county. By the American Revolution,the population of the county reached 20,000.

After the Revolution, most farmers grew wheat forNew York City markets. The opening of the Erie Canalin 1825 ended the grain period, so farmers turned tobeef. When the railroads began to carry milk to NewYork City in the 1860s, the dairy industry flourished.

Industries developed rapidly along the HudsonRiver corridor in the late nineteenth century resultingin a rapid population increase, especially in themanufacturing centers of Poughkeepsie and Beacon.

Over the years, southern Dutchess County rapidlybecame suburbanized because of its proximity to NewYork City. In all parts of the county, residentialdevelopment increased with a consequent decline in

dairy farms and orchards. While industry dominates inthe southern and western parts of the county,agriculture is still important in the eastern section, inthe Harlem Valley, and in the north.

Tourism is a major industry in the county, largelybecause of the number of historic mansions andestates along the Hudson River, especially in andaround Hyde Park, which was the home of PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt.

Transportation Facilities

The major east-west roads in the county areInterstate 84 in the south, New York Routes 44 and 55in the center, and New York Route 199 in the north.Major north-south roads are U.S. Route 9 in the west,the Taconic State Parkway in the center, and NewYork Route 22 in the east.

Along the Hudson River, the Hudson Division ofMetro-North railroad provides passenger service fromPoughkeepsie, New Hamburg, and Beacon to New YorkCity. The Harlem Division of Metro-North connects theeastern communities of Dover Plains, Wassaic, andPawling with New York City. Amtrak’s Northeastpassenger line provides service to Poughkeepsie andRhinecliff. Conrail provides freight service for thewestern, southern, and eastern parts of the county.

Physiography and Geology

David S. Sullivan, Staff Geologist, Natural ResourcesConservation Service, helped to prepare this section.

Dutchess County is located in southeastern NewYork state. It is bounded to the north by ColumbiaCounty, to the west by the Hudson River, to the southof Putnam County, and to the east by the State ofConnecticut. The county is divided into two majorphysiographic units: the Valley and Ridge Province,and the New England Province. The Valley and RidgeProvince includes the Hudson Lowlands and the LowTaconics. The Hudson Lowlands extend eastward 3 to6 miles from the Hudson River. Maximum elevationsthere are 400 to 500 feet above mean sea level with100 to 250 feet of relief (Isachsen, 1991). Bedrock ispredominantly easily eroded sedimentary rock such asshale, graywacke and siltstone, which were depositedduring the Cambrian and Ordovician Periods. To theeast are the Low Taconics, which consist of Cambrianand Ordovician graywacke, metagraywacke, shale,phyllite, and schist. This 8 to 10 mile wide zone has200 to 300 feet of relief, with maximum elevations of500 to 750 feet.

The New England Province includes the High

Dutchess County, New York 13

Taconics, the Housatonic Highlands, and the HudsonHighlands. East of the Low Taconics, Clove Mountainand the region to the north make up the High Taconics.Maximum elevations there are between 1200 and 1400feet, with 700 to 900 feet of relief. Bedrock of themountainous regions is metamorphic in origin andincludes schist, phyllite and metagraywacke. Layers ofmarble and sedimentary deposits of limestone anddolomite underlie the valleys. On the eastern edge ofthe county, the Housatonic Highlands have a maximumelevation of more than 1400 feet and almost 1000 feetof relief. The bedrock is Precambrian metasedimentaryrocks and granite gneiss. To the south, the HudsonHighlands form the remaining part of the New EnglandProvince in Dutchess County. South Beacon Mountainhas a maximum elevation of 1602 feet and a localrelief of 1200 to 1300 feet. Bedrock is Proterzoicbiotite and hornblende granite gneiss and is resistantto erosion (Fisher, 1970).

Glacial Geology

Dutchess County was entirely covered by glacial iceduring the last ice age. Despite evidence of four majoradvances and retreats of the continental ice sheet inother parts of the United States, only the last stage“the Wisconsinan” is evident in New York (Isachsen,1991). A wide variety of stratified and unstratifiedmaterial was deposited in association with the glacierduring both advance and retreat phases. Unstratifieddeposits within the county called till are generallycompact (dense) and clay rich. The till containsabundant rock clasts; however, they are not generallyin contact with each other. This type of till is calledhardpan and may contain isolated layers of stratifiedsand and gravel. The till is generally thin in the hillyregions where there are scattered bedrock exposures,but may be tens of feet thick adjacent to bedrockvalley walls. Examples of soils formed in glacial tillinclude Bernardston, Georgia, Hollis, Nassau andNellis (Cline; Marshall, 1976).

Stratified glacial material is deposited in a fluvial orlacustrine environment. If sand and gravel aredeposited immediately adjacent to the glacier, as in theformation of kames and eskers, the deposits are calledice-contact. Ice-contact kames can be seen in thetown of LaGrange and at Moores Hill. Sediment depositby a meltwater stream flowing away from the glacier iscalled outwash. Outwash was deposited near theheadwaters of Wappingers Creek and Sprout Creek,as well as in the Pawling Valley. Alton and Hoosic Areasoils are examples of soils formed in these deposits.Streams transporting sediment into a lake eitherdeposit it in the form of a delta as at ManchesterBridge, or carry it deeper into the lake and deposit it as

lacustrine sands, silts, and clays as seen southwest ofRhinebeck. Lacustrine deposits occurred in GlacialLake Albany as well as in smaller glacial lakes inFishkill Creek, Sprout Creek, Wappingers Creek, andCrum Elbow Creek. An example of soils formed in alacustrine environment is Hudson soils.

The Late Wisconsinan glacier began to retreat fromthe Terminal Moraine on Long Island about 12,000years ago (Isachsen, 1991). As it retreated, the glacierreadvanced slightly from time to time depositing aseries of ice margins (moraines) of glacial drift.Between 17,000 and 18,000 years ago the glacierterminus had retreated to the northern slope of theHudson Highlands where it deposited the oldestmoraine in Dutchess County, the ShenandoahMountain. It extends eastward to Honess Mountain,Greenhaven Prison, and Poughquag. Going northfrom there, the next ice-margin is the PoughkeepsieMoraine. It has more than 90 feet of relief, iscomposed of stratified drift, and extends westwardfrom James Baird State Park to the city ofPoughkeepsie. The Hyde Park Moraine is the nextice-margin to the north. It has 170 feet of relief andcontains stratified drift and associated outwash. Thismoraine traces east from Hyde Park to Salt Point.Next to the north is the Pine Plains Moraine, which isnamed for exposures of stratified drift in the town ofPine Plains. This moraine is traced for about 7 milesfrom northwest and north of Stissing Mountain to theVillage of Pine Plains. The final moraine, located in thenorthwest corner of the county, is the Red HookMoraine. This name refers to three closely related ice-margin positions east of the village of Red Hook. Theice margins previously described bend northeast tosouthwest. This moraine complex extends northeastfrom Rhinebeck approximately 20 miles to GlencoMills in Columbia County.

As the glacier continued to retreat, Glacial LakeAlbany gradually expanded northward up the HudsonValley remaining in contact with the terminus of theretreating glacier. This large glacial lake remained inexistence for at least 4,000 to 5,000 years (Isachsen,1991). Evidence for this expansion can be seen by thesequence of large deltas formed in Lake Albany bymeltwater streams at Manchester Bridge, Vassar,Hyde Park, Rhinebeck, and Red Hook.

Drainage

Most of Dutchess County is in the Hudson Riverdrainage basin. The eastern portion of the county is inthe Ten Mile River watershed, which flows towards theHousatonic River in Connecticut.

Many smaller streams drain the northwestern towns

14 Soil Survey

of Dutchess County. These streams include the WhiteClay Kill, Saw Kill, Mudder Kill, Rhinebeck Kill,Landsman Kill, Crum Elbow Creek, and the MaritjeKill. Fall Kill Creek and the Casper Kill Creek havesizeable watersheds in the Poughkeepsie area. All ofthese streams flow into the Hudson River.

The watershed of the Wappinger Creek, with its twomajor tributaries, the East Branch and LittleWappinger Creek, covers over twenty-five percent ofthe county (Dutchess Co. Department of Planning,1985). The Wappinger Creek drains the central part ofthe county and enters the Hudson River in NewHamburg. There are extensive sand and gravelaquifer systems related to this watershed.

The watershed of the Fishkill Creek drains thesouthern part of the county. Major tributaries of theFishkill Creek are the Whortlekill Creek, the SproutCreek, and the Jackson Creek. The Fishkill Creekwatershed enters the Hudson River in Beacon. Thelargest sand and gravel aquifer system in DutchessCounty lies within the Fishkill Creek basins.

The Ten Mile River drains the Harlem Valley andthe Oblong Valley and flows into Connecticut east ofWingdale. Major tributaries from the north are theWassaic Creek, the Amenia Creek, and the WebatuckCreek. The Swamp River flows north from Pawlingand joins the Ten Mile River in Dover. There areextensive wetland systems associated with the deepsand and gravel aquifers located in the Harlem Valleyand the Oblong Valley.

Most of the streams in the county are of fairly lowgradient. There are broad floodplains and linearwetlands associated with the major streams in thecounty.

Water Supply

Dutchess County has an adequate supply ofgroundwater and surface water supplied by numerousstreams, wetlands, aquifers, and ponds. Water usesinclude agricultural, industrial, commercial, municipal,and domestic along with recreation, fisheries, andwildlife habitat.

The largest source of water (surface water) is theHudson River, which forms the western boundary ofthe county. Poughkeepsie, the largest city, is suppliedwith Hudson River water. In emergency situations theChelsea Pump Station in the southwestern part of thecounty pumps millions of gallons of Hudson Riverwater into the Catskill Aqueduct for New York City. Thevillages of Hyde Park and Rhinebeck also tap into theHudson River for their water supply.

Wells placed in deep, high yield sand and gravelaquifers supply most communities. Industries draw

millions of gallons of water daily from these aquifers.Outwash terraces along the Ten Mile River, Sprout/Fishkill Creeks, Wappinger Creek, and the CrumElbow Creek are prime high yield aquifer systems.Private wells serve most homes outside thecommunity centers and in the rural areas.

Deep glacial till and bedrock are other majorsources of groundwater. Glacial till wells vary greatlyin yield depending on the depth recharge area andcomposition of the till deposit. Wells in bedrockgenerally yield adequate water for residential uses, butthe yields vary greatly depending on well depth, rockdensity, rock fractures, and geologic faults.

Groundwater hardness and the presence of sulphuror iron is a nuisance in some areas. In general, thequality of surface and groundwater is good; however,contamination is increasing as the county’s populationgrows.

Significant amounts of water are used in theirrigation of orchards: specialty crops such asraspberries, blueberries, or strawberries; and truckcrops such as potatoes, sweet corn, and melons. Mostof this irrigation water is supplied from pondsexcavated into the water table of sand and gravelaquifers.

How This Survey Was MadeThis survey was made to provide information about

the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area.The information includes a description of the soils andmiscellaneous areas and their location and adiscussion of their suitability, limitations, andmanagement for specified uses. Soil scientistsobserved the steepness, length, and shape of theslopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds ofcrops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock.They dug many holes to study the soil profile, which isthe sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil(fig. 2). The profile extends from the surface down intothe unconsolidated material in which the soil formed.The unconsolidated material is devoid of roots andother living organisms and has not been changed byother biological activity.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in the surveyarea are in an orderly pattern that is related to thegeology, landforms, relief, climate, and naturalvegetation of the area. Each kind of soil andmiscellaneous area is associated with a particular kindof landform or with a segment of the landform. Byobserving the soils and miscellaneous areas in thesurvey area and relating their position to specificsegments of the landform, a soil scientist develops aconcept or model of how they were formed. Thus,

Dutchess County, New York 15

during mapping, this model enables the soil scientistto predict with a considerable degree of accuracy thekind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific locationon the landscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape mergeinto one another as their characteristics graduallychange. To construct an accurate soil map, however,soil scientists must determine the boundaries betweenthe soils. They can observe only a limited number ofsoil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations,supplemented by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient toverify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and todetermine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of thesoil profiles that they studied. They noted color,texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind andamount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots,reaction, and other features that enable them toidentify soils. After describing the soils in the surveyarea and determining their properties, the soilscientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes(units). Taxonomic classes are concepts. Eachtaxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics with

precisely defined limits. The classes are used as abasis for comparison to classify soils systematically.Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classificationused in the United States, is based mainly on the kindand character of soil properties and the arrangementof horizons within the profile. After the soil scientistsclassified and named the soils in the survey area, theycompared the individual soils with similar soils in thesame taxonomic class in other areas so that theycould confirm data and assemble additional databased on experience and research.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of someof the soils in the area generally are collected forlaboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soilscientists interpret the data from these analyses andtests as well as the field-observed characteristics andthe soil properties to determine the expected behaviorof the soils under different uses. Interpretations for allof the soils are field tested through observation of thesoils in different uses and under different levels ofmanagement. Some interpretations are modified to fitlocal conditions, and some new interpretations aredeveloped to meet local needs. Data are assembledfrom other sources, such as research information,

Figure 2.—Diagram of the horizons in a soil profile.

16 Soil Survey

production records, and field experience of specialists.For example, data on crop yields under defined levelsof management are assembled from farm records andfrom field or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not onlyon soil properties, but also on such variables asclimate and biological activity. Soil conditions arepredictable over long periods of time, but they are notpredictable from year to year. For example, soilscientists can predict with a fairly high degree ofaccuracy that a given soil will have a high water tablewithin certain depths in most years, but they cannotpredict that a high water table will always be at aspecific level in the soil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified thesignificant natural bodies of soil in the survey area,they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerialphotographs and identified each as a specific map unit.Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads,

and rivers, all of which help in locating boundariesaccurately.

This survey area was mapped at two levels of detail.At the more detailed level, map units are narrowlydefined. Map unit boundaries were plotted and verifiedat closely spaced intervals. At the less detailed level,map units are broadly defined. Boundaries wereplotted and verified at wider intervals. In the legend forthe detailed soil maps, narrowly defined units areindicated by symbols in which the first letter is acapital and the second is lowercase. For broadlydefined units, the first and second letters are capitals.

The descriptions, names, and delineations of thesoils in this survey area do not fully agree with thoseof the soils in adjacent survey areas. Differences arethe result of a better knowledge of soils, modificationsin series concepts, or variations in the intensity ofmapping or in the extent of the soils in the surveyareas.

17

The general soil map at the back of this publicationshows broad areas that have a distinctive pattern ofsoils, relief, and drainage. Each map unit on thegeneral soil map is a unique natural landscape.Typically, it consists of one or more major soils ormiscellaneous areas and some minor soils ormiscellaneous areas. It is named for the major soils ormiscellaneous areas. The components of one map unitcan occur in another but in a different pattern.

The general soil map can be used to compare thesuitability of large areas for general land uses. Areasof suitable soils can be identified on the map. Likewise,areas where the soils are not suitable can be identified.

Because of its small scale, the map is not suitablefor planning the management of a farm or field or forselecting a site for a road or building or otherstructure. The soils in any one map unit differ fromplace to place in slope, depth, drainage, and othercharacteristics that affect management.

In some areas along the borders of DutchessCounty, the names of the general soil map units do notmatch those of adjoining counties. Thesediscrepancies exist because of differences in the detailof mapping, changes in soil classification, anddifferences in the proportions of the same soil inadjoining counties. In those areas the units in theadjoining counties contain similar kinds of soils.

Soil Descriptions

1. Hudson-Vergennes-Raynham

Dominantly nearly level to steep, very deep,moderately well drained and somewhat poorlydrained, medium to moderately fine textured soils; onlowlands and dissected lake plains

This unit consists of soils that formed inglaciolacustrine deposits with a medium to highcontent of silt and clay. The landscape is generallygently sloping and is dissected by deep drainagewaysfrom the main north-south terrace adjacent to theHudson River. Slopes are dominantly 3 to 15 percentbut are as much as 45 percent in some dissectedareas, and as low as 0 percent in lowlands.

This unit covers about 3 percent of the county. Theunit is about 25 percent Hudson and similar soils, 25percent Vergennes and similar soils, 15 percentRaynham and similar soils, and 35 percent minor soils.

The Hudson soils are moderately well drained andhave a silt loam surface. The subsoil and substratumare fine textured throughout. Permeability in thesubsoil and substratum is slow or very slow. Theseasonal high water table is between depths of 1.5and 2 feet in the spring. They are mostly on broad,irregularly shaped lowlands. The steep areas aregenerally on the side slopes of drainageways. Slopesrange from 3 to 45 percent.

The Vergennes soils are moderately well drainedand have a silty clay loam surface layer. The subsoiland substratum is clay with thin layers of silt.Permeability in the subsoil and substratum is slow orvery slow. The seasonal high water table is betweendepths of 1 and 3 feet in the winter and spring. Theyare mostly on broad, irregularly shaped lowlands. Thesteep areas are generally on the side slopes ofdrainageways. Slopes range from 3 to 45 percent.

The Raynham soils are somewhat poorly drainedand have a silt loam surface layer. The subsoil andsubstratum is silt loam. Permeability is moderate andmoderately slow in the subsoil and slow in thesubstratum. The seasonal high water table is betweendepths of 0.5 and 2 feet in the winter and spring.Raynham soils are on broad lowlands. Slopes rangefrom 0 to 3 percent.

Of minor extent are Kingsbury, Rhinebeck,Livingston, Canandaigua, Unadilla, Nassau, Cardigan,Knickerbocker, Fredon, Scio, Hydraquents andMedisaprists, and Dutchess soils. Kingsbury andRhinebeck soils are somewhat poorly drained andthroughout the unit. Very poorly drained Livingstonsoils and poorly drained and very poorly drainedCanandaigua soils are in drainageways and slightlyconcave or ponded areas. Well drained Unadilla soilsand moderately well drained Scio soils are in areastransitional to sandier outwash areas. Shallow,somewhat excessively drained Nassau soils,moderately deep, well drained Cardigan soils and verydeep, well drained Dutchess soils are in areas withshale bedrock. Somewhat excessively drained

General Soil Map Units

18 Soil Survey

Knickerbocker soils and somewhat poorly drainedFredon soils are in areas of sandy glacial outwash.Hydraquents and Medisaprists are in very poorlydrained tidal marshes adjacent to the Hudson River.

Most areas of this unit are used for cultivated crops,hay, or residential development. The steep areas arewooded and are actively eroding. Some of the soils inthis unit are highly erodible and require cross slopetillage, conservation tillage, careful crop rotations, andmaintenance of permanent sod. Most areas used forfarming need drainage.

Slow permeability, a seasonal high water table,clayey texture, slope, erodibility, and frost action arethe main limitations if this unit is used for communitydevelopment.

Some areas of this unit are managed woodland.Timber harvesting causes erosion, especially on steepslopes.

2. Hoosic-Wayland-Copake

Dominantly nearly level to steep, very deep,somewhat excessively drained and well drainedmedium textured soils and very deep, very poorlydrained medium textured alluvial soils; on outwashplains, in lowlands and along streams

This unit consists of soils formed in glacial outwashalong the large tributary valleys of the Hudson Riverand alluvial deposits adjacent to the major streams ofthe county. Slopes range from 0 to 45 percent.

This unit covers about 14.5 percent of the county.The unit is about 35 percent Hoosic soils, 15 percentWayland soils, 15 percent Copake soils, and 35percent minor soils.

The Hoosic soils are somewhat excessively drainedand have a gravelly loam surface layer. The subsoil ismedium to moderately coarse textured and thesubstratum is coarse textured. They formed in watersorted materials derived mainly from shale andquartzite. Permeability in the Hoosic soils ismoderately rapid or rapid in the subsoil and very rapidin the substratum. Slopes range from 0 to 45 percent.

The Wayland soils are very poorly drained andhave a silt loam surface layer. The subsoil is mediumto moderately fine textured and the substratum ismedium textured. Wayland soils formed in alluvialdeposits adjacent to streams and are subject tofrequent, brief to long flooding, in the fall, winter, andspring. Permeability is slow in the subsoil andsubstratum. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent.

The Copake soils are well drained and have agravelly silt loam surface layer. The subsoil is mediumtextured and the substratum is coarse textured.Copake soils formed in water sorted materials derived

mainly from limestone and schist. Permeability ismoderate or moderately rapid in the subsoil and veryrapid in the substratum. Slope ranges from 0 to 45percent.

Soils of minor extent are Knickerbocker, Fredon,Halsey, Carlisle, Palms, Wappinger, Pawling, andLinlithgo. Knickerbocker soils are well drained and arein areas where the outwash is sandy in the surfaceand subsoil. Somewhat poorly drained Fredon soilsand poorly drained and very poorly drained Halseysoils are in drainageways and depressions in outwashareas. Carlisle and Palms are very poorly drainedorganic soils and are in concave areas where water isimpounded. Well drained Wappinger soils are onbroad flood plains subject to common, brief flooding.Moderately well drained Pawling soils and somewhatpoorly drained Linlithgo soils are on low areas of floodplains and are also subject to common, brief flooding.

Most of the Hoosic and Copake areas of this unitare used as cropland, hayland, or residentialdevelopment. Most of the Wayland areas of this unitare wooded or are in water-tolerant brush and sedges.The Hoosic and Copake soils are suitable forcommunity development; however, installation of septictank absorption fields is a problem because of the poorfiltering capacity of these soils. Wayland soils are notsuited to community development because of flooding.

3. Farmington-Galway-Stockbridge

Dominantly nearly level to very steep, shallow to verydeep, somewhat excessively drained to moderatelywell drained medium textured soils formed in glacialtill; on uplands

This unit consists of soils on hills influenced by theunderlying limestone bedrock. Common outcrops oflimestone and marble occur. Slopes range from 1 to65 percent.

This unit makes up about 8 percent of the county.The unit is about 20 percent Farmington soils, 15percent Galway soils, 15 percent Stockbridge soils,and 50 percent rock outcrop and minor soils.

The Farmington soils are well drained to somewhatexcessively drained and are 10 to 20 inches deep tolimestone bedrock. They have a loam surface layerand medium textured subsoil. Farmington soils are onhilltops and hillsides. Permeability is moderatethroughout. Slopes range from 1 to 65 percent.

The Galway soils are well drained and moderatelywell drained and are 20 to 40 inches deep to limestonebedrock. They have a gravelly loam surface layer andthe subsoil and substratum are medium texturedthroughout. Galway soils are on hilltops and toeslopesof hills. Permeability is moderate in the subsoil and

Dutchess County, New York 19

substratum. The seasonal high water table is betweendepths of 1.5 to 3 feet in the spring. Slopes range from1 to 45 percent slopes.

The Stockbridge soils are well drained, very deepand have a silt loam surface layer.

The subsoil and substratum is medium texturedthroughout. They are on hillsides and hilltops.Permeability is moderate in the subsoil andmoderately slow or slow in the substratum. Slopesrange from 2 to 45 percent.

Soils of minor extent are Sun, Georgia, Massena,Copake, Nassau, Cardigan, Dutchess, and rockoutcrop. Poorly drained and very poorly drained Sunsoils are in depressions and drainageways.Moderately well drained Georgia soils are on concavefootslopes. Somewhat poorly drained Massena soilsare on gently sloping and nearly level areas. Copakesoils are in areas of well drained outwash. Shallowsomewhat excessively drained Nassau soils,moderately deep well drained Cardigan soils, and verydeep well drained Dutchess soils are in areas wherethe bedrock is shale. Rock outcrop is in areas ofexposed folded and tilted limestone.

Areas of this unit are used as woodland,pastureland, or residential development. Depth tobedrock and steep slopes are the main limitations ifthis unit is used for community development.

4. Cardigan-Dutchess-Nassau

Dominantly nearly level to very steep, very deep toshallow, well drained and somewhat excessivelydrained, medium textured soils that formed in glacialtill; on uplands

This unit consists of soils on hills formed in glacialtill influenced by the underlying shale bedrock. Thelandscape generally consists of folded bedrock ridgesoriented north-south. Outcroppings of shale bedrockare common, particularly in steep and very steepareas. Slopes range from 1 to 70 percent.

This unit makes up about 32 percent of the county.The unit is about 25 percent Cardigan soils, 20percent Dutchess soils, 10 percent Nassau soils, and45 percent minor soils and rock outcrop.

The Cardigan soils are well drained and 20 to 40inches deep to shale bedrock. They have a channerysilt loam surface layer, and the subsoil is mediumtextured. Permeability is moderate throughout the soil.Slopes range from 1 to 45 percent.

The Dutchess soils are well drained, very deep, andhave a silt loam surface layer. The subsoil andsubstratum is medium textured throughout.Permeability is moderate throughout the soil. Slopesrange from 1 to 30 percent.

The Nassau soils are somewhat excessively

drained and are 10 to 20 inches deep to shale bedrock.They have a channery silt loam surface layer and thesubsoil is medium textured. Permeability is moderatethroughout the soil. Slopes range from 1 to 70 percent.

Soils of minor extent are Sun, Palms, Carlisle,Canandaigua, Bernardston, Massena, Georgia,Farmington, Galway, Stockbridge, and rock outcrop.Poorly drained and very poorly drained mediumtextured Sun soils and moderately fine texturedCanandaigua soils are in drainageways anddepressions. Palms and Carlisle are organic soils andare in concave areas where water is impounded.Palms soils have an organic layer 16 to 51 inchesthick and Carlisle soils have an organic layer thickerthan 51 inches. Well drained Bernardston soils have adense substratum and are on hillsides. Moderatelywell drained Georgia soils are on concave footslopesand somewhat poorly drained Massena soils are ongently sloping and nearly level areas. Shallow welldrained to somewhat excessively drained Farmingtonsoils, moderately deep well drained and moderatelywell drained Galway soils, and very deep well drainedStockbridge soils are in areas where the underlyingbedrock is limestone. Rock outcrop is in areas ofexposed folded and tilted shale.

Most areas of this unit are used as cropland,pastureland, woodland, or residential development.Slope, depth to bedrock, and common rock outcropsare the main limitations in the areas used forcommunity development.

5. Bernardston-Pittstown

Dominantly gently sloping to steep, very deep, welldrained and moderately well drained, medium texturedsoils with a dense substratum; on uplands

This unit consists of soils on hilltops and hillsidesthat formed in glacial till with a large content of shaleand phyllite. Slopes range from 3 to 45 percent (fig. 3).

This unit makes up about 4 percent of the county.The unit is about 50 percent Bernardston soils, 25percent Pittstown soils, and 25 percent minor soils.

The Bernardston soils are well drained, very deepwith a silt loam surface layer. The subsoil andsubstratum is medium textured throughout. They havea firm dense substratum generally at a depth of 15 to30 inches, but it is closer to the surface on somesteep, eroded slopes. The substratum restricts rootgrowth. The seasonal high water table is perchedabove the dense substratum during the spring. Thepermeability is moderate in the subsoil and slow in thedense substratum. Slopes range from 3 to 45 percent.

The Pittstown soils are moderately well drained,very deep, with a silt loam surface layer. The subsoiland substratum is medium textured throughout. They

20 Soil Survey

have a firm dense substratum at a depth of 15 to 25inches that restricts root growth. The seasonal highwater table is perched above the dense substratum inthe winter and spring. The permeability is moderate inthe subsoil, and slow or moderately slow in the densesubstratum. Slopes range from 3 to 25 percent.

Soils of minor extent are Punsit, Nassau, Cardigan,Dutchess, Canandaigua, and Sun. Punsit soils aresomewhat poorly drained and are lower on thelandscape than Bernardston and Pittstown soils.Shallow somewhat excessively drained Nassau soilsand moderately deep well drained Cardigan soils areon bedrock controlled landscapes. Well drainedDutchess soils are in areas where the substratum isnot dense. Poorly drained and very poorly drained finetextured Canandaigua soils and medium textured Sunsoils are in depressions and drainageways.

Some areas of this unit are used for growingcultivated crops and hay. Other areas are used aswoodland or residential development. Drainage iscommon in farmed areas. Stripcropping and crossslope tillage help to reduce erosion on sloping areas.

Erosion is a hazard in woodlots managed for timber.Slow percolation rates in the substratum, the

seasonal high water table, and slope are the mainlimitations in the areas used for community development.

6. Charlton-Chatfield-Hollis

Dominantly gently sloping to very steep, very deep toshallow, well drained and somewhat excessively

drained, medium and moderately coarse texturedsoils; on uplands

This unit consists of soils formed in glacial tilldominated by granite, gneiss, and schist. Thelandscape consists of hillsides and hilltops, with verycomplex topography and steep micro-relief. This unitis in the southeastern part of the county. Bedrockexposures, with very steep to nearly vertical bedrockescarpments, are a common part of the landscape.Slopes are dominantly 5 to 30 percent, but range from1 to 70 percent.

This unit makes up about 10 percent of the county.The unit is about 25 percent Charlton soils, 25 percentChatfield soils, 15 percent Hollis soils, and 35 percentsoils of minor extent and rock outcrop (fig. 4).

The Charlton soils are very deep, well drained witha loam surface texture. The subsoil and substratum ismedium textured throughout. They are on hillsides andhilltops. Permeability is moderate or moderately rapidthroughout the soil. Slopes range from 1 to 45 percent.

The Chatfield soils are somewhat excessivelydrained and well drained and are 20 to 40 inches deepto granite, gneiss, or schist bedrock. They have a finesandy loam surface layer. The subsoil is mediumtextured and the substratum is moderately coarsetextured. Chatfield soils are on hillsides and hilltops.Permeability is moderate or moderately rapidthroughout the soil. Slopes range from 1 to 70 percent.

The Hollis soils are well drained and somewhatexcessively drained and are 10 to 20 inches deep to

Figure 3.—Typical pattern of Bernardston-Pittstown general soil map unit and Nassau-Cardigan complex on uplands and Hoosicgravelly loam on outwash plains.

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Dutchess County, New York 21

granite, gneiss or schist bedrock. They have a loamsurface layer with a medium textured subsoil. Hollissoils are on the sides and tops of hills. Permeability ismoderate or moderately rapid throughout the soil.Slopes range from 1 to 70 percent.

Soils of minor extent are Sun, Massena, Georgia,Nassau, Cardigan, Dutchess, and rock outcrop. Verydeep poorly drained and very poorly drained Sun soilsare in depressions and drainageways. Very deepsomewhat poorly drained Massena soils are in slightdepressions. Very deep moderately well drainedGeorgia soils are on concave footslopes. Shallowsomewhat excessively drained Nassau soils,moderately deep well drained Cardigan soils, and verydeep well drained Dutchess soils are in areas wherethe bedrock is shale. Rock outcrop is in areas ofexposed folded and tilted granite, gneiss, and schist.

Most areas of this unit are wooded or are used forcommunity development. A few areas are used forhay, pastures, and cultivated crops. Depth to bedrock,

scattered bedrock outcrops, and steep slopes are themain limitations in areas used for agriculture andcommunity development.

7. Stockbridge-Georgia

Dominantly nearly level to steep, very deep, welldrained and moderately well drained, medium texturedsoils; on uplands

This unit consists of soils on hilltops and hillsidesthat formed in glacial till with a moderate to largecontent of lime derived from local limestone bedrock.Slopes range from 0 to 45 percent.

This unit makes up about 11 percent of the county.The unit is about 50 percent Stockbridge soils, 15percent Georgia soils, and 35 percent minor soils.

The Stockbridge soils are well drained, very deepand have a silt loam surface layer. The subsoil andsubstratum is medium textured throughout. They areon hilltops and hillsides. Permeability is moderate in

Figure 4.—Typical pattern of soils and parent material in the Charlton-Chatfield-Hollis general soil map unit.

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22 Soil Survey

the subsoil and moderately slow or slow in thesubstratum. Slopes range from 2 to 45 percent.

The Georgia soils are moderately well drained,very deep and have a silt loam surface layer. Thesubsoil is medium to moderately coarse textured andthe substratum is moderately coarse textured. Theyare on hillsides and concave footslopes. Permeabilityis moderate in the subsoil and moderately slow orslow in the substratum. The seasonal high water tableis at a depth of 1.5 to 3 feet from November to May.Slopes range from 0 to 15 percent.

Soils of minor extent are Massena, Sun,Bernardston, Pittstown, Farmington, Galway,Wappinger, and Linlithgo (fig. 5). Somewhat poorlydrained Massena soils are on gently sloping andnearly level areas. Poorly drained and very poorlydrained Sun soils are in depressions and alongdrainageways. Well drained Bernardston soils andmoderately well drained Pittstown soils have densesubstrata. Shallow Farmington soils are in areaswhere the underlying limestone bedrock is at a depthbetween 10 and 20 inches. Moderately deep Galwaysoils are in areas where the underlying limestonebedrock is at a depth between 20 and 40 inches. Welldrained Wappinger soils and somewhat poorly drainedLinlithgo soils are on flood plains.

Most areas of this unit are used as cultivatedcropland, hayland, or pastureland. Some areas arewooded or in residential development. Stripcroppingand cross slope tillage help to reduce erosion infarmed areas. Georgia soils and the wetter includedsoils can be drained with tile.

Slow percolation, moderate frost action, and slopeare the main limitations in the areas used forcommunity development.

8. Taconic-Rock Outcrop-Macomber

Dominantly gently sloping to very steep, shallow andmoderately deep, somewhat excessively drained andwell drained, medium textured soils that formed inglacial till, and rock outcrop; on uplands

This unit consists of soils on bedrock controlledhillsides in the extreme northeastern part of thecounty. Slopes range from 5 to 80 percent.

These soils make up about 0.5 percent of thecounty. The unit is about 45 percent Taconic soils, 30percent rock outcrop, 15 percent Macomber soils, and10 percent minor soils.

The Taconic soils are somewhat excessivelydrained and are 10 to 20 inches deep to foldedphyllite, schist, or quartz bedrock. They have achannery silt loam surface layer and medium texturedsubsoil. Taconic soils are on hilltops and hillsides.Permeability is moderate or moderately rapidthroughout the soil. Slopes range from 5 to 80 percent.

The rock outcrop consists of folded phyllite, schist,and quartz. Bedrock exposures occur throughout theunit. Very steep or vertical escarpments are onhillsides. Sloping bedrock outcrops are on hilltops.

The Macomber soils are well drained and are 20 to40 inches deep to folded phyllite, schist, or quartzbedrock. They have a channery silt loam surface layer

Figure 5.—Typical pattern of soils and underlying material in the Stockbridge-Georgia general soil map unit.

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and medium textured subsoil. Macomber soils are onhilltops and toeslopes of hills. Permeability is moderatethroughout the soil. Slopes range from 5 to 25 percent.

Soils of minor extent include poorly drained andvery poorly drained Sun soils in depressions anddrainageways. Also included are areas of soils deeperthan 40 inches. The deeper soils are in the lesssloping areas, usually at the base of steeper slopes.Soils less than 10 inches to bedrock are common,particularly in steep and very steep areas.

Most areas of this unit are wooded and part of theTaconic State Park and are used for recreationpurposes. Most other areas of this unit are alsowooded, although a small portion is in brushland.These areas are also used for recreation.

Slope and the depth to bedrock are the mainlimitations if this unit is used for communitydevelopment.

9. Nassau-Rock Outcrop-Cardigan

Dominantly undulating to very steep, shallow andmoderately deep, somewhat excessively drained andwell drained, medium textured soils that formed inglacial till, and rock outcrop; on uplands

This unit consists of soils on hills formed in glacialtill dominated by shale. The landscape consists ofhillsides and hilltops, with very complex topographyand steep micro-relief. Bedrock exposures, with verysteep to nearly vertical bedrock escarpments, are aprominent part of the landscape. Slope ranges from 1to 70 percent.

This unit makes up about 11 percent of the county.The unit is about 40 percent Nassau soils, 15 percentrock outcrop, 10 percent Cardigan soils, and 35percent soils of minor extent (fig. 6).

The Nassau soils are somewhat excessively

Figure 6.—Tree roots are restricted by the shallow depth to shale bedrock on this Nassau soil.

24

drained and are 10 to 20 inches deep to shale bedrock.They have a channery silt loam surface layer andmedium textured subsoil. Nassau soils are on upperslopes and hilltops. Permeability is moderatethroughout the soil. Slopes range from 1 to 70 percent.

The rock outcrop consists of folded shale. Bedrockexposures occur throughout the unit.

The Cardigan soils are well drained and 20 to 40inches deep to shale bedrock. They have a channerysilt loam surface layer and medium textured subsoil.Cardigan soils are on lower concave slopes.Permeability is moderate throughout the soil. Slopesrange from 1 to 45 percent.

Soils of minor extent are Dutchess, Sun, Palms,Carlisle, Canandaigua, Massena, Georgia,Farmington, Galway, Stockbridge, Hollis, Chatfield,and Charlton. Very deep well drained Dutchess soilsare in areas where the underlying bedrock is deeperthan 60 inches. Poorly drained and very poorly drainedmedium textured Sun soils and moderately finetextured Canandaigua soils are in drainageways anddepressions. Palms and Carlisle are very poorlydrained organic soils and are in concave areas wherewater is impounded. Palms soils have an organic layer16 to 51 inches thick and Carlisle soils have anorganic layer thicker than 51 inches. Moderately welldrained Georgia soils are on concave footslopes andsomewhat poorly drained Massena soils are on gentlysloping and nearly level areas. Shallow well drained tosomewhat excessively drained Farmington soils,moderately deep well drained and moderately welldrained Galway soils, and very deep well drainedStockbridge soils are in areas where the underlyingbedrock is limestone. Shallow well drained andsomewhat excessively drained Hollis soils, moderatelydeep somewhat excessively drained and well drainedChatfield soils, and very deep well drained Charltonsoils are in areas where the underlying bedrock isgranite, gneiss, and schist.

Most areas of this unit are wooded or used forcommunity development. A few areas are used forpasture. Depth to bedrock, scattered bedrockoutcrops, and slope are the main limitations if this unitis used for agriculture and community development.

10. Hollis-Chatfield-Rock Outcrop

Dominantly undulating to very steep, shallow tomoderately deep, well drained and somewhat

excessively drained, medium and moderately coarsetextured soils, and rock outcrop; on uplands

This unit consists of soils formed in glacial tilldominated by granite, gneiss, and schist. Thelandscape consists of hillsides and hilltops, with verycomplex topography and steep micro-relief. This unitis in the southeastern part of the county. Bedrockexposures, with very steep to nearly vertical bedrockescarpments, are a prominent part of the landscape.Slope is dominantly 5 to 30 percent, but ranges from 1to 70 percent.

This unit makes up about 6 percent of the county.The unit is about 40 percent Hollis soils, 20 percentChatfield soils, 20 percent rock outcrop, and 20percent soils of minor extent.

The Hollis soils are well drained and somewhatexcessively drained and are 10 to 20 inches deep togranite, gneiss or schist bedrock. They have a loamsurface layer and medium textured subsoil. Hollis soilsare on the sides and tops of hills. Permeability ismoderate or moderately rapid throughout the soil.Slopes range from 1 to 70 percent.

The Chatfield soils are somewhat excessivelydrained and well drained and are 20 to 40 inches deepto granite, gneiss, or schist bedrock. They have a finesandy loam surface layer, medium textured subsoil,and moderately coarse textured substratum. Chatfieldsoils are on hillsides and hilltops. Permeability ismoderate or moderately rapid throughout the soil.Slopes range from 1 to 70 percent. The rock outcropconsists of folded granite, schist, and gneiss. Bedrockexposures occur throughout the unit.

Soils of minor extent are Charlton, Sun, Massena,Nassau, Cardigan, and Dutchess. Very deep welldrained Charlton soils are in areas where theunderlying bedrock is deeper than 60 inches. Verydeep poorly drained and very poorly drained Sun soilsare in depressions and drainageways. Very deepsomewhat poorly drained Massena soils are in slightdepressions. Shallow somewhat excessively drainedNassau soils, moderately deep well drained Cardigansoils, and very deep well drained Dutchess soils are inareas where the bedrock is shale.

Most areas of this unit are wooded or are used forcommunity development. A few areas are used forpasture. Depth to bedrock, scattered bedrock outcrops,and steep slopes are the main limitations in areasused for agriculture and community development.

25

The map units delineated on the detailed maps atthe back of this survey represent the soils ormiscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unitdescriptions in this section, along with the maps, canbe used to determine the suitability and potential of aunit for specific uses. They also can be used to planthe management needed for those uses. Moreinformation about each map unit is given under theheading “Use and Management of the Soils.”

A map unit delineation on a map represents an areadominated by one or more major kinds of soil ormiscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified andnamed according to the taxonomic classification of thedominant soils or miscellaneous areas. Within ataxonomic class there are precisely defined limits forthe properties of the soils. On the landscape, however,the soils and miscellaneous areas are naturalphenomena, and they have the characteristicvariability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range ofsome observed properties may extend beyond thelimits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of asingle taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mappedwithout including areas of other taxonomic classes.Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soilsor miscellaneous areas for which it is named andsome “included” areas that belong to other taxonomicclasses.

Most included soils have properties similar to thoseof the dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thusthey do not affect use and management. These arecalled noncontrasting, or similar, inclusions. They mayor may not be mentioned in the map unit description.Other included soils and miscellaneous areas,however, have properties and behavioralcharacteristics divergent enough to affect use or torequire different management. These are calledcontrasting, or dissimilar, inclusions. They generallyare in small areas and could not be mappedseparately because of the scale used. Some smallareas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneousareas are identified by a special symbol on the maps.The included areas of contrasting soils ormiscellaneous areas are mentioned in the map unitdescriptions. A few included areas may not have beenobserved, and consequently they are not mentioned in

the descriptions, especially where the pattern was socomplex that it was impractical to make enoughobservations to identify all the soils and miscellaneousareas on the landscape.

The presence of included areas in a map unit in noway diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of thedata. The objective of mapping is not to delineate puretaxonomic classes but rather to separate thelandscape into landforms or landform segments thathave similar use and management requirements. Thedelineation of such segments on the map providessufficient information for the development of resourceplans, but if intensive use of small areas is planned,onsite investigation is needed to define and locate thesoils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit namein the map unit descriptions. Each description includesgeneral facts about the unit and gives the principalhazards and limitations to be considered in planningfor specific uses.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike makeup a soil series. Except for differences in texture of thesurface layer, all the soils of a series have majorhorizons that are similar in composition, thickness,and arrangement.

Soils of one series can differ in texture of thesurface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity, degree oferosion, and other characteristics that affect their use.On the basis of such differences, a soil series isdivided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown onthe detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. Thename of a soil phase commonly indicates a featurethat affects use or management. For example,Stockbridge silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes is a phaseof the Stockbridge series.

Some map units are made up of two or more majorsoils or miscellaneous areas. These map units arecomplexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups.

A complex consists of two or more soils ormiscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or insuch small areas that they cannot be shownseparately on the maps. The pattern and proportion ofthe soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similarin all areas. Nassau-Cardigan Complex, rolling, veryrocky is an example.

Detailed Soil Map Units

26 Soil Survey

An undifferentiated group is made up of two or moresoils or miscellaneous areas that could be mappedindividually but are mapped as one unit becausesimilar interpretations can be made for use andmanagement. The pattern and proportion of the soils ormiscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform.An area can be made up of only one of the major soilsor miscellaneous areas, or it can be made up of all ofthem. Kingsbury and Rhinebeck soil is anundifferentiated group in this survey area.

This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Suchareas have little or no soil material and support little orno vegetation. Urbanland is an example.

Table 4 gives the acreage and proportionate extentof each map unit. Other tables give properties of thesoils and the limitations, capabilities, and potentials formany uses. The Glossary defines many of the termsused in describing the soils or miscellaneous areas.

BeB—Bernardston silt loam, 3 to 8percent slopes

This map unit consists of very deep, gently sloping,and well drained soils that formed in glacial tilldeposits. It is on hilltops and broad till plains. Areas areoval or irregularly shaped. They commonly range from5 acres to 130 acres. Slopes are smooth.

The typical sequence, depth, and composition of thelayers of the Bernardston soils are as follows—

Surface layer:Surface to 8 inches, dark brown silt loam

Subsoil:8 to 17 inches, yellowish brown silt loam17 to 27 inches, light olive brown silt loam

Substratum:27 to 80 inches, olive brown silt loam, firm and dense

Included with this map unit in mapping are areas ofmoderately well drained Pittstown soils, somewhatpoorly drained Punsit soils, poorly drained and verypoorly drained Sun soils, and poorly drained and verypoorly drained Canandaigua soils. Pittstown and Punsitsoils are in slightly lower concave areas. Sun andCanandaigua soils are in depressions and alongdrainageways. Stockbridge soils are included where thesubstratum is less acid and less dense. Also includedare soils that have a higher clay content in the subsoil.Inclusions make up about 25 percent of the unit.

Important soil properties—

Parent Material: glacial tillPermeability:moderate in the surface layer and subsoil,

and slow in the dense substratum

Available Water Capacity: highSoil Reaction: very strongly acid to moderately acidSurface Runoff: mediumErosion Hazard: slightDepth to Seasonal High Water Table: perched at 1.5

to 2.0 feet (Feb-Apr)Rooting Zone: restricted by the firm, dense substratumDepth to Bedrock: more than 60 inchesFlooding Hazard: none

This map unit meets the criteria for prime farmland.Most areas are used for cultivated crops or pasture.Other areas are used for woodland or residentialdevelopment.

This map unit is well suited to cultivated crops.Erosion is a hazard, particularly on areas left bare ofplant cover. The seasonal high water table can slightlydelay spring tillage and planting. Subsurface drainingof wetter inclusions and diverting surface runoff fromhigher areas will reduce wetness. Stripcropping, crossslope tillage, cover crops, conservation tillage, andcrop rotations will reduce soil erosion. Tillage at propermoisture content will improve soil tilth, and maintainsoil productivity over an extended period of time.

This map unit is well suited to pasture. Overgrazingand grazing when the soil is wet are major concerns ofpasture management as they cause soil compactionand the reduction or loss of desirable pasture plants.Rotational grazing, restricted grazing when the soil iswet, and proper stocking rates help to increase thequantity and quality of feed and forage and maintainpasture productivity.

The potential productivity for northern red oak ismoderate. Windthrow hazard is moderate, particularlywhere the dense substratum is close to the surfacerestricting root penetration by larger trees.

The seasonal high water table is the main limitationif this unit is used for dwellings with basements.Subsurface drainage, footing or foundation drainsbackfilled with gravel, waterproofing the outside ofbasement walls, and diverting runoff from higher areaswill reduce wetness. Minimizing the removal ofvegetation, mulching, and quickly establishing plantcover help to control erosion and sedimentation duringconstruction.

Slow percolation is the main limitation if this unit isused for septic tank absorption fields. Modifying aconventional system by extending the length of thedistribution lines and adding fill above theimpermeable substratum usually will allow onsitesewage disposal in many places.

The seasonal high water table and frost action arethe main limitations if this unit is used for local roadsand streets. Construction on raised fill materials,

Dutchess County, New York 27

installing a drainage system, and providing a coarsegrained subgrade to frost depth will reduce theselimitations.

The seasonal high water table is the main limitationif this map unit is used for camping, picnic areas,playgrounds, and trails. Small stones are also alimitation for camping and picnic areas andplaygrounds. Slope is also a limitation for playgrounds.Adding sandy fill, subsurface drainage, and divertingrunoff from higher areas will cover the small stonesand reduce wetness. Grading will reduce the slopelimitation.

The capability subclass is IIe.

BeC—Bernardston silt loam, 8 to 15percent slopes

This map unit consists of very deep, stronglysloping and well drained Bernardston soils that formedin glacial till deposits. It is on hills and side slopes.Areas are oval, elongated, or irregularly shaped. Theycommonly range from 5 to 275 acres. Slopes aresmooth.

The typical sequence, depth, and composition ofthe layers of Bernardston soils are as follows—

Surface layer:Surface to 8 inches, dark brown silt loam

Subsoil:8 to 17 inches, yellowish brown silt loam17 to 27 inches, light olive brown silt loam

Substratum:27 to 80 inches, olive brown silt loam, firm and dense

Included with this map unit in mapping are a fewsmall areas of moderately well drained Pittstown soils,somewhat poorly drained Punsit soils, poorly drainedand very poorly drained Sun soils, and poorly drainedand very poorly drained Canandaigua soils. Pittstownand Punsit soils are in slightly lower concave areas.Sun and Canandaigua soils are in depressions andalong drainageways. Included Stockbridge soils areless acid and less dense in the substratum. Alsoincluded are areas that have a higher clay content inthe subsoil. Small areas of a similar soil are included inthe extreme northeastern part of the county that havea mean annual soil temperature less than 47 degreesFahrenheit and have a shorter growing season.Inclusions make up about 20 percent of the unit.

Important soil properties—

Parent Material: glacial tillPermeability: moderate in the surface layer and

subsoil and slow in the dense substratum

Available Water Capacity: highSoil Reaction: very strongly acid to moderately acidSurface Runoff: rapidErosion Hazard: moderateDepth to Seasonal High Water Table: perched at 1.5

to 2.0 feet (Feb-Apr)Rooting Zone: restricted by the firm, dense substratumDepth to Bedrock: more than 60 inchesFlooding Hazard: none

Most areas of this map unit are used for cultivatedcrops or pasture. Other areas are used for woodlandor residential development.

This map unit is moderately suited to cultivatedcrops. Erosion is a moderate hazard, particularly onareas left bare of plant cover. The seasonal high watertable can slightly delay spring tillage and planting.Subsurface draining of wetter inclusions and divertingsurface runoff from higher areas will reduce wetness.Stripcropping, cross slope tillage, cover crops,conservation tillage, and crop rotations will reduce soilerosion. Tillage at proper moisture content will improvesoil tilth and maintain soil productivity over anextended period of time.

This map unit is well suited to pasture. Erosion is amoderate hazard, particularly on areas left bare ofplant cover during pasture establishment. Overgrazingand grazing when the