Passaic County, New Jersey
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Passaic County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Rockaway complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rockaway-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Riverhead complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Urban land-Boonton complex, red sandstone lowland, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rockaway sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hibernia loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgebury stony loam, New Jersey Highlands, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swartswood-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holyoke-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Rockaway complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Rockaway sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Swartswood complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Urban land-Boonton complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Swartswood fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Boonton complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat limited | Very limited | ||
| Rockaway sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norwich silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Holyoke complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 2K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Riverhead sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.