Richmond County, New York
The most common soil here is Greenbelt, on about 11% of the land. Boonton and Laguardia come next.
About 22% of the land drains well, and 9% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 15% of it.
USDA rates 81% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 26% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% 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 Richmond 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 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 Richmond 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-Greenbelt complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land, till substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Flatbush complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, low impervious surface | 2K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land, till substratum, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Ipswich mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 966 | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haledon-Hasbrouck complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 868 | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, low impervious surface | 859 | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land, tidal marsh substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 741 | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Boonton-Haledon complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 686 | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boonton loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 645 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenbelt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 622 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Greenbelt-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 616 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oil-waste land | 572 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land, outwash substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 567 | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Greenbelt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 509 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land-Verrazano complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 507 | 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
About 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 81% 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.