Sussex County, New Jersey
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Sussex County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau-Manlius very channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazen-Paulins Kill complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rockaway-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nassau-Manlius very channery silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Farmington-Galway complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Rock outcrop-Chatfield complex, New Jersey Highlands, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paulins Kill-Otisville complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, New Jersey Highlands, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fredon-Halsey complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Swartswood loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swartswood loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Catden muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Farmington-Galway complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazen-Paulins Kill complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wurtsboro-Swartswood complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wurtsboro-Swartswood complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnot-Lordstown-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nassau-Manlius very channery silt loams, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.