Nassau County, New York
The dominant drainage class is 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 Nassau County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Riverhead complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Water | 27K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Hempstead complex | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Montauk loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Montauk complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| Ipswich mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Sudbury complex | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Udipsamments, wet substratum complex | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Montauk loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Riverhead sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Udipsamments, wet substratum | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Riverhead complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Riverhead sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Enfield silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plymouth-Riverhead complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hempstead silt loam | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Enfield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Montauk loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Riverhead sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
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 31% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.