Essex 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 Essex County, New Jersey.
| 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 |
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.