Bergen County, New Jersey
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.