Essex County, New Jersey
The most common soil here is Boonton, on about 25% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Udorthents and Haledon come next.
About 50% of the land drains well, and 15% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 22% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Essex County, New Jersey, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Essex 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, Boonton substratum - Boonton complex, red sandstone lowland, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Boonton - Urban land, Boonton substratum complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boonton - Urban land, Boonton substratum complex, red sandstone lowland, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, Dunellen substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land, Bigapple substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | Not limited | Very limited | |
| Urban land, Dunellen substratum - Dunellen complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Boonton loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land, Boonton substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes, red sandstone lowland | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Boonton - Urban land, Boonton substratum complex, terminal moraine, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, Boonton substratum - Boonton complex, red sandstone lowland, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Boonton - Urban land, Boonton substratum complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boonton loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Haledon - Urban land, Haledon substratum complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parsippany silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Great Piece loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunellen - Urban land, Dunellen substratum complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hasbrouck silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 1K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haledon silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Horseneck - Urban land, Horseneck substratum complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.