Union 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 Union County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boonton-Urban land-Haledon complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Haledon-Urban land-Hasbrouck complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birdsboro-Urban land complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, organic substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Udorthents, loamy substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Amwell-Urban land complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raritan-Urban land-Passaic complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 1K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boonton loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Whippany-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boonton-Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amwell silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 1K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haledon loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 806 | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parsippany-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 794 | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunkhannock - Udorthents complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 726 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy-Urban land complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 700 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy-Urban land complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 606 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunellen-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 593 | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 71% 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.