Morris 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 Morris County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockaway sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parker-Gladstone complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rockaway sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hibernia loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Riverhead complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parsippany silt loam, sandy loam substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parker gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parker-Gladstone complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rockaway complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Urban land-Rockaway complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Catden muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rockaway-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parker-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cokesbury loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rockaway-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Annandale gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 73% 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.