Passaic County, New Jersey

Survey Area NJ031• New Jersey

The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Passaic 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
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

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.

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.

Entisols

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

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.