Nassau County, New York

Survey Area NY059• New York

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Nassau 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-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

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 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.