Bronx County, New York

Survey Area NY005 New York

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Bronx County, New York. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map UnitAcresDrainageHydro GroupDwellingsSeptic
Water 9K Not ratedNot rated
Urban land, till substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes 4K Not limitedVery limited
Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes 4K Not limitedVery limited
Urban land, till substratum, 3 to 8 percent slopes 3K Not limitedVery limited
Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes 2K Not limitedVery limited
Urban land, tidal marsh substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes 1K Very limitedVery limited
Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, low impervious surface 1K Not limitedVery limited
Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, low impervious surface 698 Not limitedVery limited
Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes 547 Not limitedVery limited
Greenbelt-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes 532 Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Chatfield-Hollis-Greenbelt complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, rocky 481 Well drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Urban land, reclaimed substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes 412 Not limitedVery limited
Urban land, outwash substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes 330 Not limitedVery limited
Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes 308 Very limitedVery limited
Charlton-Chatfield-Hollis complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky 308 Well drainedAVery limitedVery limited
Greenbelt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes 286 Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Greatkills gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes 277 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Greenbelt-Urban land complex, very deep water table, 0 to 3 percent slopes, cemetery 272 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Urban land-Greenbelt-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes 238 Not limitedVery limited
Greenbelt-Urban land complex, very deep water table, 3 to 8 percent slopes, cemetery 208 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat 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.
Entisols
Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.
Histosols
Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 65% 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.

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