Rockland 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 Rockland County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wethersfield gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, hilly | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wethersfield-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, rolling | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wethersfield gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton fine sandy loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wethersfield-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Rock outcrop complex, hilly | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheshire-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Urban land | 3K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Alden silt loam | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wethersfield gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slope s | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holyoke-Rock outcrop complex, hilly | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheshire gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Charlton fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Watchaug fine sandy loam | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holyoke-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 2K | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 80% 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
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.