Bergen County, New Jersey

Survey Area NJ003• New Jersey

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Bergen County, New Jersey. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Urban land	23K			Not rated	Not rated
Dunellen-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Dunellen-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Udorthents, wet substratum-Urban land complex	10K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Boonton-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Boonton-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Boonton-Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wethersfield-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dunellen-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Udorthents, wet substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rockaway-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wethersfield-Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Westbrook, Ipswich, and Sandyhook soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded	3K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wethersfield-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Wethersfield gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Rockaway-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fluvaquents, loamy, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Haledon-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Riverhead sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 27% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.