Warren County, New Jersey
The most common soil here is Washington, on about 11% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Annandale and Nassau come next.
About 75% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 59% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 32% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Warren County, New Jersey, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Warren 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nassau-Manlius very channery silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Farmington-Galway complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazen-Paulins Kill complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nassau-Manlius very channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parker-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Annandale gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fredon-Halsey complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Netcong loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Paulins Kill-Hazen complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wurtsboro-Swartswood complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Annandale gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop-Farmington-Galway complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Washington silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hazen-Paulins Kill complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, New Jersey Highlands, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parker gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bartley loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% 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 91% 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.