Essex County, New Jersey

Survey Area NJ013• 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 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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

Ultisols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.