Kings County, New York
The most common soil here is Nagunt, on about 8% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Greenbelt and Flatbush come next.
About 9% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 16% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 8% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Kings County, New York, 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 Subaqueous 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 Kings County, New York. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Flatbush complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land, outwash substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Nagunt sand, 0 to 2 meter water depth | 3K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land, till substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Verrazano complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land, till substratum, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land, reclaimed substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land, tidal marsh substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Nagunt sand, 2 to 5 meter water depth, dredged | 1K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Bigapple fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, sandy substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 771 | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Verrazano complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, low impervious surface | 703 | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Flatbush complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, low impervious surface | 583 | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, low impervious surface | 516 | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Nagunt sand, intertidal | 473 | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Fortress sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 380 | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, low impervious surface | 338 | Not 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. 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.