Soil Survey of Sussex County, New Jersey · The Sussex County Board of Commissioners provided financial assistance for the survey. Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed

In cooperation withNew Jersey AgriculturalExperiment Station;Rutgers, The StateUniversity of New Jersey;New Jersey Department ofAgriculture, the State SoilConservation Committee;Sussex County SoilConservation District; andDelaware Water GapNational Recreation Area

United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

NaturalResourcesConservationService

Soil Survey ofSussex County,New Jersey

The detailed soil maps can be useful in planning the use and management of smallareas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the Index to MapSheets. Note the number of the map sheet and turn to that sheet.

Locate your area of interest on the map sheet. Note the map unit symbols that are inthat area. Turn to the Contents, which lists the map units by symbol and name andshows the page where each map unit is described.

The Contents shows which table has data on a specific land use for each detailedsoil map unit. Also see the Contents for sections of this publication that may addressyour specific needs.

i

How To Use This Soil Survey

Additional information about the Nation’s natural resources is available onlinefrom the Natural Resources Conservation Service at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.

ii

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effortof the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, Stateagencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The NaturalResources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) hasleadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. This survey wasmade cooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the New JerseyAgricultural Experiment Station; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; NewJersey Department of Agriculture, State Soil Conservation Committee; the SussexCounty Soil Conservation District; and the Delaware Water Gap National RecreationArea. The survey is part of the technical assistance furnished to the Sussex County SoilConservation District. The Sussex County Board of Commissioners provided financialassistance for the survey.

Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 2002. Soil names anddescriptions were approved in 2002. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in thispublication refer to conditions in the survey area in 2002. The most current official dataare available on the Internet.

Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of thesemaps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged,maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at alarger scale.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programsand activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and whereapplicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexualorientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of anindividual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibitedbases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means forcommunication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) shouldcontact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Cover: A view of the Kittatinny Valley of Sussex County from the summit of Sunrise Mountain,part of Kittatinny Mountain. The plateau of the New Jersey “Highlands” is in the background.

iii

Contents

How To Use This Soil Survey ....................................................................................... iForeword ..................................................................................................................... ixGeneral Nature of the Survey Area ............................................................................. 1How This Survey Was Made ........................................................................................ 3Detailed Soil Map Units ............................................................................................. 7

AhbBc—Alden silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony ............................ 8AhcBc—Alden mucky silt loam, gneiss till substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes,

extremely stony ................................................................................................. 9AruCh—Arnot-Lordstown complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky ................ 10ArvD—Arnot-Lordstown-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ............ 12ArvE—Arnot-Lordstown-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes ............ 13AtcA—Atherton mucky silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ......................................... 15CatbA—Catden mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes .............................................. 16ChkC—Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes ............... 17ChkE—Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes ............. 18ChwBc—Chippewa silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony ................... 20CorA—Colonie loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes ......................................... 21CorB—Colonie loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes ......................................... 21DefAr—Delaware fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded ............. 22DefBr—Delaware fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rarely flooded ............. 23FaxC—Farmington-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes ...................... 24FdwB—Farmington-Wassaic-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes ........ 25FmhAs—Fluvaquents, loamy, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded ........... 26FrdAb—Fredon-Halsey complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony...................... 27GawEh—Galway loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky ................................. 29HdxAb—Hazen-Hoosic complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony ..................... 30HdxBb—Hazen-Hoosic complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony ..................... 31HhmBc—Hibernia loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony .......................... 32HkrgBb—Hinckley loamy coarse sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony ............ 33HkrgCb—Hinckley loamy coarse sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony .......... 34HncD—Hollis-Rock outcrop-Chatfield complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ............. 35HonCb—Hoosic-Hazen complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony ................... 36HopEb—Hoosic-Otisville complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very stony ............... 38LacBc—Lackawanna cobbly fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes,

extremely stony ............................................................................................... 39LacCc—Lackawanna cobbly fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes,

extremely stony ............................................................................................... 40LacDc—Lackawanna cobbly fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ,

extremely stony ............................................................................................... 41LorB—Lordstown-Wallpack complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes ................................. 42LorC—Lordstown-Wallpack complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes ............................... 43LorCh—Lordstown-Wallpack complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky .......... 45LorD—Lordstown-Wallpack complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes ............................. 46LorDh—Lordstown-Wallpack complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky ........ 47MabEh—Manlius-Nassau complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky ............. 49

iv Soil Survey

NauBh—Nassau-Manlius complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky .................. 50NauCh—Nassau-Manlius complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky ............... 51NauDh—Nassau-Manlius complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky ............. 53NavE—Nassau-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes .......................... 54OpnCh—Oquaga-Lackawanna complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky ....... 55OpnDh—Oquaga-Lackawanna complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky ..... 56OprC—Oquaga-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes ........................... 58OprE—Oquaga-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes ......................... 59PHG—Pits, sand and gravel .................................................................................. 60PohA—Pompton sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ............................................. 60QY—Pits, quarry .................................................................................................... 61RkrB—Riverhead sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ............................................ 61RnaF—Rock outcrop-Arnot-Rubble land complex, 60 to 80 percent slopes ......... 62RnfC—Rock outcrop-Farmington-Galway complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes ......... 63RnfD—Rock outcrop-Farmington-Galway complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ....... 65RoefBc—Rockaway loam, thin fragipan, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely

stony ................................................................................................................ 67RoefCc—Rockaway loam, thin fragipan, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely

stony ................................................................................................................ 68RoefDc—Rockaway loam, thin fragipan, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely

stony ................................................................................................................ 68RokB—Rockaway-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes .......... 69RokC—Rockaway-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes ........ 71RokD—Rockaway-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...... 72RooB—Rockaway-Urban land complex, thin fragipans, 0 to 8 percent slopes ..... 74RooC—Rockaway-Urban land complex, thin fragipans, 0 to 15 percent slopes ... 75RooD—Rockaway-Urban land complex, thin fragipans, 0 to 25 percent slopes ... 76ScoA—Scio silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes .......................................................... 78SwfBc—Swartswood loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony ...................... 79SwfCc—Swartswood loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony ................... 79SwfDc—Swartswood loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony ................. 80UccAs—Udifluvents, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded ......................... 81UdaB—Udorthents, 0 to 8 percent slopes, smoothed ........................................... 82UdauB—Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes ......................... 82UnfA—Unadilla silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes .................................................... 83UnfB—Unadilla silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes .................................................... 84USCHRB—Urban land-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 8 percent

slopes .............................................................................................................. 85USCHRC—Urban land-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex,

0 to 15 percent slopes ..................................................................................... 86USCHRD—Urban land-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex,

0 to 35 percent slopes ..................................................................................... 88USFARC—Urban land-Farmington-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent

slopes .............................................................................................................. 89USFARD—Urban land-Farmington-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 35 percent

slopes .............................................................................................................. 90USFAWB—Urban land-Farmington-Wassaic complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes ...... 92USHAZA—Urban land-Hazen-Hoosic complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes ................. 93USHAZB—Urban land-Hazen-Hoosic complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes ................. 95USNAMB—Urban land-Nassau-Manlius complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes ............. 97USNAMC—Urban land-Nassau-Manlius complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes ........... 99USNAMD—Urban land-Nassau-Manlius complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes ......... 100USWUSB—Urban land-Wurtsboro-Swartswood complex, 0 to 8 percent

slopes ............................................................................................................ 102

Sussex County, New Jersey v

VepBc—Venango silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony .................... 103VepCc—Venango silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony ................. 104WaahAt—Wallkill silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded ................. 105WabBb—Wallpack fine sandy loam, aeolian mantle, 0 to 8 percent slopes,

very stony ...................................................................................................... 106WabCb—Wallpack fine sandy loam, aeolian mantle, 8 to 15 percent slopes,

very stony ...................................................................................................... 107WabDb—Wallpack fine sandy loam, aeolian mantle, 15 to 35 percent slopes,

very stony ...................................................................................................... 108WacB—Wallpack silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ............................................... 108WacBc—Wallpack silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony .................. 109WacC—Wallpack silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes ............................................. 110WacCc—Wallpack silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony ................ 111WacD—Wallpack silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ........................................... 112WacDc—Wallpack silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony .............. 112WATER—Water ................................................................................................... 113WecBc—Wellsboro silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony ................. 114WecCc—Wellsboro silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony............... 114WumBc—Wurtsboro loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony .................... 115WusBc—Wurtsboro-Swartswood complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes,

extremely stony ............................................................................................. 116WusCc—Wurtsboro-Swartswood complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes,

extremely stony ............................................................................................. 117WusDc—Wurtsboro-Swartswood complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes,

extremely stony ............................................................................................. 119Use and Management of the Soils ........................................................................ 121

Interpretive Ratings ............................................................................................. 121Rating Class Terms ......................................................................................... 121Numerical Ratings ........................................................................................... 121

Crops and Pasture ............................................................................................... 122Managing Cropland ......................................................................................... 123Managing Pasture and Hayland ...................................................................... 124Yields per Acre ................................................................................................ 125Land Capability Classification ......................................................................... 126

Prime Farmland and Other Important Farmlands ................................................ 127Forestland Productivity and Management ........................................................... 128

Forestland Productivity .................................................................................... 128Forestland Management ................................................................................. 128

Recreational Development .................................................................................. 130Wildlife Habitat ..................................................................................................... 133Engineering ......................................................................................................... 135

Building Site Development .............................................................................. 136Sanitary Facilities ............................................................................................ 137Agricultural Waste Management ..................................................................... 139Construction Materials .................................................................................... 142Water Management ......................................................................................... 144

Soil Properties ........................................................................................................ 147Engineering Properties ........................................................................................ 147Physical Soil Properties ....................................................................................... 148Chemical Soil Properties ..................................................................................... 150Soil Features ........................................................................................................ 151Water Features .................................................................................................... 152

Classification of the Soils ..................................................................................... 155Alden Series ........................................................................................................ 156

vi Soil Survey

Arnot Series ......................................................................................................... 157Atherton Taxadjunct ............................................................................................. 158Catden Series ...................................................................................................... 160Chatfield Series ................................................................................................... 161Chippewa Series .................................................................................................. 163Colonie Series ..................................................................................................... 164Delaware Series .................................................................................................. 165Farmington Series ............................................................................................... 167Fluvaquents ......................................................................................................... 168Fredon Series ...................................................................................................... 170Galway Series ...................................................................................................... 172Halsey Series....................................................................................................... 173Hazen Series ....................................................................................................... 175Hibernia Series .................................................................................................... 176Hinckley Series .................................................................................................... 178Hollis Series ......................................................................................................... 179Hoosic Taxadjunct ................................................................................................ 180Lackawanna Series ............................................................................................. 182Lordstown Series ................................................................................................. 184Manlius Series ..................................................................................................... 185Nassau Series ..................................................................................................... 186Oquaga Series ..................................................................................................... 188Otisville Series ..................................................................................................... 189Pompton Series ................................................................................................... 192Riverhead Series ................................................................................................. 193Rockaway Series ................................................................................................. 194Scio Series........................................................................................................... 196Swartswood Series .............................................................................................. 198Udifluvents ........................................................................................................... 199Udorthents ........................................................................................................... 200Unadilla Series .................................................................................................... 201Venango Series ................................................................................................... 202Wallkill Taxadjunct ................................................................................................ 203Wallpack Series ................................................................................................... 205Wallpack Taxadjunct ............................................................................................ 206Wassaic Series .................................................................................................... 208Wellsboro Series.................................................................................................. 209Wurtsboro Series ................................................................................................. 211

Formation of the Soils ........................................................................................... 213Factors of Soil Formation ..................................................................................... 213Processes of Soil Formation ................................................................................ 219

References .............................................................................................................. 221Glossary .................................................................................................................. 225Tables ...................................................................................................................... 241

Table 1.—Temperature and Precipitation ............................................................ 242Table 2.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall .......................................................... 243Table 3.—Growing Season .................................................................................. 243Table 4.—Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils ................................... 244Table 5.—Land Capability and Yields per Acre of Crops ..................................... 246Table 6.—Acreage by Capability Class and Subclass ......................................... 254Table 7.—Prime and other Important Farmland .................................................. 255Table 8.—Forestland Productivity ........................................................................ 256Table 9.—Haul Roads, Log Landings, and Soil Rutting on Forestland................ 272Table 10.—Hazard of Erosion and Suitability for Roads on Forestland .............. 287

Sussex County, New Jersey vii

Table 11.—Forestland Planting and Harvesting .................................................. 301Table 12.—Forestland Site Preparation ............................................................... 315Table 13.—Damage by Fire and Seedling Mortality on Forestland ..................... 327Table 14.—Camp Areas, Picnic Areas, and Playgrounds ................................... 343Table 15.—Paths, Trails, and Golf Fairways ......................................................... 358Table 16.—Wildlife Habitat ................................................................................... 372Table 17.—Dwellings and Small Commercial Buildings ...................................... 384Table 18.—Roads and Streets, Shallow Excavations, and Lawns and

Landscaping .................................................................................................. 397Table 19.—Disposal Fields .................................................................................. 413Table 20.—Landfills ............................................................................................. 435Table 21.—Agricultural Disposal of Manure,

Food-Processing Waste, and Sewage Sludge .............................................. 452Table 22.—Agricultural Disposal of Wastewater by Rapid Infiltration

and Slow Rate Treatment .............................................................................. 472Table 23.—Agricultural Disposal of Wastewater by Irrigation and

Overland Flow ............................................................................................... 495Table 24.—Source of Gravel and Sand ............................................................... 520Table 25.—Source of Reclamation Material, Roadfill, and Topsoil ...................... 534Table 26.—Ponds and Embankments ................................................................. 555Table 27.—Engineering Properties ...................................................................... 570Table 28.—Physical Soil Properties ..................................................................... 619Table 29.—Chemical Soil Properties ................................................................... 648Table 30.—Soil Features ..................................................................................... 669Table 31.—Water Features .................................................................................. 681Table 32.—Taxonomic Classification of the Soils ................................................ 700Table 33.—Relationship Between Soil Series, Their Parent Material,

and Drainage Class ....................................................................................... 701

Issued 2009

ix

Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas.They include predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The surveys highlightsoil limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and the impact ofselected land uses on the environment.

Soil surveys are designed for many different users. Farmers, foresters, andagronomists can use the surveys to evaluate the potential of the soil and themanagement needed for maximum food and fiber production. Planners, communityofficials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers can use the surveys toplan land use, select sites for construction, and identify special practices needed toensure proper performance. Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists inrecreation, wildlife management, waste disposal, and pollution control can use thesurveys to help them understand, protect, and enhance the environment.

Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may imposespecial restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this report isintended to identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or landtreatment decisions. Statements made in this report are intended to help the landusers identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. Thelandowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws andregulations.

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soilsare seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as afoundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use asseptic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited tobasements or underground installations.

These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soilsurvey. The location of each soil is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in thesurvey area is described, and information on specific uses is given. Help in using thispublication and additional information are available at the local office of the NaturalResources Conservation Service or Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

Thomas DrewesState ConservationistNatural Resources Conservation Service

Foreword

1

Soils handbook and project supervision by Richard K. Shaw, Natural ResourcesConservation Service

Final correlation and manuscript by Frederick C. Schoenagel III, Natural ResourcesConservation Service

Soils surveyed by Richard K. Shaw and Frederick C. Schoenagel IIIUnited States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,in cooperation withNew Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station; Rutgers, The State University of NewJersey; New Jersey Department of Agriculture, State Soil Conservation Committee;the Sussex County Soil Conservation District; and the Delaware Water Gap NationalRecreation Area.

IntroductionSUSSEX COUNTY is the northernmost county in New Jersey (fig. 1). It is bordered by

the Delaware River and Pennsylvania to the northwest, New York to the northeast,and the New Jersey counties of Warren County to the southwest, Passaic County tothe southeast, and Morris County to the south. The total land area of the county isapproximately 343,700 acres. The county seat is the town of Newton.

This soil survey is an update to a survey of Sussex County published by the USDA,Soil Conservation Service in August 1975 (USDA, 1975). This update provides adigital soil survey on orthophotography and contains additional interpretativeinformation.

General Nature of the Survey AreaThis section provides general information about the survey area. It describes the

climate, physiography, and drainage of the county.

Climate

Prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center,Portland, Oregon.

The climate tables were created from data recorded at climate station Newton, St. Paul’s Abbey, NewJersey.

Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitation for the survey area asrecorded at St. Paul’s Abbey in the period 1971 to 2000. Table 2 shows probabledates of the first freeze in fall and the last freeze in spring. Table 3 provides data onthe length of the growing season.

Thunderstorm days, relative humidity, percent sunshine, and wind information areestimated from First Order station Newark, New Jersey.

Soil Survey of

Sussex County, New Jersey

2 Soil Survey

In winter, the average temperature is 27.0 degrees F and the average dailyminimum temperature is 17.1 degrees. The lowest temperature on record, whichoccurred at Newton, St. Paul’s Abbey on January 21, 1994, was -26 degrees. Insummer, the average temperature is 68.7 degrees and the average daily maximumtemperature is 80.7 degrees. The highest temperature, which occurred at Newton, St.Paul’s Abbey on September 3, 1953, was 104 degrees.

Growing degree days are shown in the table “Temperature and Precipitation”. Theyare equivalent to “heat units”. During the month, growing degree days accumulate bythe amount that the average temperature each day exceeds a base temperature (50degrees F). The normal monthly accumulation is used to schedule single orsuccessive plantings of a crop between the last freeze in spring and the first freeze infall.

The average annual total precipitation is about 47.57 inches. Of this, about 22.35inches, or 47 percent, usually falls in May through September. The growing season formost crops falls within this period. The heaviest 1-day rainfall during the period ofrecord was 6.70 inches at Newton, St. Paul’s Abbey on August 19, 1955.Thunderstorms occur on about 26 days each year, and most occur between May andAugust.

The average seasonal snowfall is 37.5 inches. The greatest snow depth at any onetime during the period of record was 40 inches recorded on January 9, 1996. On

Figure 1.—Location of Sussex County in New Jersey.

Sussex County, New Jersey 3

average, 42 days per year have at least 1 inch of snow on the ground. The heaviest 1-day snowfall on record was 24.0 inches recorded on January 8, 1996.

The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon is about 50 percent. Humidity ishigher at night, and the average at dawn is about 65 percent in April and 75 percentin late summer. The sun shines about 62 percent of the time in summer and about 48percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from the southwest in most months, exceptfrom the northwest in the late winter and early spring. Average wind speed is highest,around 12 miles per hour, in March.

Physiography

Sussex County lies within two physiographic provinces of the AppalachianHighlands physiographic division: the Middle section of the Valley and Ridge Provinceand the New England upland section of the New England Province (Fenneman andothers, 1946).

The Valley and Ridge Province makes up approximately the western two-thirds ofSussex County, and is broken up geographically west to east into the UpperDelaware Valley, Kittatinny Mountain, and Kittatinny Valley.

Adjacent to the Delaware River is the Upper Delaware Valley, also called theMinisink Valley. Elevations in this valley range from approximately 300 to 500 feetabove sea level. Running through the middle of this valley is a high narrowlongitudinal ridge called the Wallpack Ridge, which rises approximately 500 to 800feet above sea level.

Kittatinny Mountain separates the Upper Delaware Valley from the Kittatinny Valley.It is a prominent longitudinal ridge with summit elevations that range fromapproximately 1,200 to 1,800 feet above sea level, and attains a maximum elevationof 1,803 feet at High Point. The highest elevations in Sussex County, and in NewJersey, are found on Kittatinny Mountain.

The Kittatinny Valley is dominated by rolling hills and relatively flat valley bottoms.Elevations in this valley range from approximately 400 to 1,000 feet above sea level.

The eastern third of Sussex County lies within the New England upland section ofthe New England Province, referred to in New Jersey as the “Highlands”. TheHighlands are made up of a mountain range consisting of a near ly continuousplateau with a broad summit that varies between relatively flat and gently rollingtopography. Elevations in the Highlands range between 1,000 to slightly less than1,500 feet above sea level.

Drainage

The Upper Delaware Valley in Sussex County is drained by the Delaware River andits tributaries, Flat Brook and Mill Brook. The Kittatinny Valley is drained to the southby the Paulins Kill and the Pequest River, and drained to the north by the WallkillRiver and its tributaries, Papakating and Pochuck Creeks. The Highlands part ofSussex County is drained to the east by the Pequannock River, and drained to thesouth by the Musconetcong River and its tributary, Lubbers Run (USDA, 1975).

How This Survey Was MadeThis survey was made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous

areas in the survey area. The information includes a description of the soils andmiscellaneous areas and their location and a discussion of their suitability, limitations,and management for specified uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length,and shape of the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops andnative plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They dug many holes to study the soil profile,

4 Soil Survey

which is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends fromthe surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed. Theunconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other living organisms and has notbeen changed by other biological activity.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area are in an orderly pattern thatis related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area.Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a par ticular kind oflandform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneousareas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of thelandform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they were formed.Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with aconsiderable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specificlocation on the landscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as theircharacteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soilscientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only alimited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by anunderstanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verifypredictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied.They noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount ofrock fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enablethem to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determiningtheir properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soilcharacteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis forcomparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomicclassification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character ofsoil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soilscientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared theindividual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so thatthey could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience andresearch.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the areagenerally are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soilscientists interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed characteristics and the soil proper ties to determine the expected behaviorof the soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field testedthrough observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels ofmanagement. Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some newinterpretations are developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from othersources, such as research information, production records, and field experience ofspecialists. For example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management areassembled from farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same kinds ofsoil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil proper ties but also onsuch variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable overlong periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soilscientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have ahigh water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that ahigh water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in thesurvey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and


identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings,fields, roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundar ies accurately.

The descriptions, names, and delineations of the soils in this survey area do notfully agree with those of the soils in adjacent survey areas. Differences are the resultof a better knowledge of soils, modifications in series concepts, or variations in theintensity of mapping or in the extent of the soils in the survey areas.

Survey ProceduresThe general procedures followed in making this survey are described in the

“National Soil Survey Handbook” of the Natural Resources Conservation Service andin the “Soil Survey Manual” (USDA, Title 430-VI; Soil Survey Division Staff, 1993).

Before the fieldwork began, preliminary boundaries of slopes and landforms wereplotted stereoscopically on aerial photographs taken in 1991 at a scale of 1:24,000.Soil scientists studied U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps, at a scale of1:24,000, to relate land and image features. New Jersey Geological Survey bedrockand surficial geology maps at scales ranging from 1:24,000 to 1:100,000 were usedto establish soil-parent material relationships. The previous soil survey of SussexCounty, published in 1975 (USDA, 1975), was also used as a reference, as was itspredecessor, the “Soil Survey of the Sussex Area”, published in 1914 (Jennings andothers, 1914). Reconnaissance was made by vehicle before the landscape wastraversed on foot.

Sample areas were selected that represented the major landscapes in the county.These areas were investigated more closely than the rest of the county in order forthe soil scientists to establish a landscape model of each landscape found in thecounty. Extensive notes were taken on the composition of map units in thesepreliminary study areas. As mapping progressed, these preliminary notes weremodified and a final assessment of the composition of the individual map units wasmade. Most of the field data collected for these sample areas was in the form of 10-point transects. In areas where the soil pattern was very complex, such as where theFarmington and Galway soils were mapped, distances between transect points wereless than 150 feet. In areas where the soil pattern was relatively simple, such aswhere the Swartswood and Venango soils were mapped, transect points were spacedabout 150 feet or more apart.

Observations of such items as landforms, tree-tips, vegetation, roadbanks, andanimal burrows were made without regard to spacing. Soil boundaries weredetermined on the basis of soil examinations, observations, and photo interpretation.The soil material was examined with the aid of a hand auger or a spade to a depth ofabout 5 feet or to bedrock within a depth of 5 feet. The pedons described as typicalwere observed and studied in pits that were dug with shovels and spades.

Samples for chemical and physical analyses and for analyses of engineeringproperties were taken from representative sites of several of the soils in the surveyarea. The chemical and physical analyses were made by the National Soil SurveyCenter, USDA-NRCS, Lincoln, Nebraska. The results of the analyses are stored in acomputerized data file at the laboratory. A description of the laboratory procedurescan be obtained on request from this laboratory (USDA, 1996).

7

The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in this survey represent thesoils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions in thissection, along with the maps, can be used to determine the suitability and potential ofa unit for specific uses. They also can be used to plan the management needed forthose uses.

A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one ormore major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and namedaccording to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomicclass there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On thelandscape, however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have thecharacteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observedproperties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soilsof a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including areas ofother taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils ormiscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor components that belongto taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils.

Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in themap unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are callednoncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in aparticular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have propertiesand behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require differentmanagement. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They generallyare in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scale used.Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identifiedby a special symbol on the maps. The contrasting components are mentioned in themap unit descriptions. A few areas of minor components may not have beenobserved, and consequently they are not mentioned in the descr iptions, especiallywhere the pattern was so complex that it was impractical to make enoughobservations to identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on the landscape .

The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes theusefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate puretaxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or landformsegments that have similar use and management requirements. The delineation ofsuch segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development ofresource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however, onsiteinvestigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas .

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions.Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives the principal hazardsand limitations to be considered in planning for specific uses.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except fordifferences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizonsthat are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.

Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness,degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of suchdifferences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on the

Detailed Soil Map Units

8 Soil Survey

detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase commonlyindicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Swartswood loam,0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony, is a phase of the Swartswood series (fig 2).

Some soil series occur only as minor components in map units. For example, theHero series only occurs in this survey as a minor component in the map units FrdAb,Fredon-Halsey complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony, and HdxAb, Hazen-Hoosiccomplex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony. Therefore, no series description isprovided in the section “Classification of the Soils”.

Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.These map units are called complexes.

A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intr icatepattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps.The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similarin all areas. Rock outcrop-Farmington-Galway complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, is anexample.

This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil materialand support little or no vegetation. Pits, sand and gravel, is an example.

Table 4 lists the map units in this survey area. Other tables give properties of thesoils and the limitations, capabilities, and potentials for many uses. The Glossarydefines many of the terms used in describing the soils.

AhbBc—Alden silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremelystony

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly level to gently slopingLandscape: till plainsLandform: depressionsSurface cover: 3 to 14 percent stones

Map Unit Composition

Alden and similar soils: 90 percentMinor components: 10 percent

Description of Alden and similar soils

The typical sequence, depth, and composition of the layers of the soil are asfollows—

Surface layer:Oi—0 to 2 inches; slightly decomposed plant materialA—2 to 7 inches; silt loam

Subsoil layer:Bg1—7 to 14 inches; silt loamBg2—14 to 28 inches; silty clay loamBg3—28 to 43 inches; loam

Substratum:C—43 to 60 inches; silt loam

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: very poorly drainedParent material: silty colluvium derived from sandstone over fine-loamy till derived

from sandstone


Permeability: slow to moderateAvailable water capacity: highReaction: very strongly acid to moderately alkalinePonding depth: 0 to 12 inches above surfaceDepth to high water table: 0 inches

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 7sHydrologic group: D

Minor Components

• Very deep, poorly drained Chippewa soils

AhcBc—Alden mucky silt loam, gneiss till substratum, 0to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly level to gently slopingLandscape: till plainsLandform: depressionsSurface cover: 3 to 14 percent stones


Alden, gneiss till substratum, and similar soils: 90 percentMinor components: 10 percent

Figure 2.—An area of Swartswood loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony, a phase of theSwartswood soil series found near Kittatinny Mountain.

10 Soil Survey

Description of Alden, gneiss till substratum, and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialA—1 to 9 inches; mucky silt loam

Subsoil layer:Bg1—9 to 23 inches; silty clay loamBg2—23 to 35 inches; silty clay loam

Substratum:C—35 to 60 inches; silty clay loam

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: very poorly drainedParent material: silty colluvium derived from granite and gneiss over fine-loamy till

derived from granite and gneissPermeability: slow to moderateAvailable water capacity: highReaction: very strongly acid to moderately alkalinePonding depth: 0 to 12 inches above surfaceDepth to high water table: 0 inches


Minor Components

• Very deep, somewhat poorly drained Hibernia soils

AruCh—Arnot-Lordstown complex, 0 to 15 percentslopes, very rocky

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly level to strongly slopingLandscape: mountainsLandform: ground morainesSurface cover: 15 to 49 percent stones


Arnot and similar soils: 55 percentLordstown and similar soils: 40 percentMinor components: 5 percent

Description of Arnot and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialA—1 to 2 inches; loam


Subsurface layer:E—2 to 3 inches; fine sandy loam

Subsoil layerBhs—3 to 4 inches; fine sandy loamBw1—4 to 12 inches; very gravelly loamBw2—12 to 17 inches; extremely gravelly loam

Substratum:2R—17 inches; bedrock

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: somewhat excessively drainedParent material: loamy till derived from conglomeratePermeability: moderate or moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: very lowReaction: extremely acid to moderately acidDepth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet


Description of Lordstown and similar soils




Subsoil layer:Bw1—3 to 5 inches; loamBw2—5 to 17 inches; gravelly loamBw3—17 to 22 inches; gravelly loam

Substratum:C—22 to 36 inches; very gravelly fine sandy loam2R—36 inches; bedrock

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: coarse-loamy till derived from conglomeratePermeability: moderateAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: very strongly acid to moderately acidDepth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 7sHydrologic group: C

Minor Components

• Rock outcrop

12 Soil Survey

ArvD—Arnot-Lordstown-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35percent slopes

Map Unit Setting

Slope: moderately steep or steepLandscape: mountainsLandform: ground morainesSurface cover: 15 to 49 percent stones


Arnot and similar soils: 45 percentLordstown and similar soils: 40 percentRock outcrop and similar soils: 15 percent





Subsoil layer:Bhs—3 to 4 inches; fine sandy loamBw1—4 to 12 inches; very gravelly loamBw2—12 to 17 inches; extremely gravelly loam













Description of Rock outcrop

Rock outcrop typically consists of bedrock exposed at the surface. A description ofthis component is not provided.

Properties and QualitiesDepth to restrictive feature: 0 inches to bedrock (lithic)


ArvE—Arnot-Lordstown-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60percent slopes

Map Unit Setting

Slope: steep to very steepLandscape: mountainsLandform: ground morainesSurface cover: 15 to 49 percent stones


Arnot and similar soils: 60 percentLordstown and similar soils: 25 percentRock outcrop and similar soils: 15 percent




14 Soil Survey


Subsoil layer:Bhs—3 to 4 inches; fine sandy loamBw1—4 to 12 inches; very gravelly loamBw2—12 to 17 inches; extremely gravelly loam

















AtcA—Atherton mucky silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly levelLandscape: river valleyLandform: depressions


Atherton, very poorly drained, and similar soils: 60 percentAtherton, poorly drained, and similar soils: 30 percentMinor components: 10 percent

Description of Atherton, very poorly drained and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 2 inches; slightly decomposed plant materialOe—2 to 4 inches; moderately decomposed plant materialA—4 to 8 inches; mucky silt loam

Subsoil layer:Bg1—8 to 10 inches; silt loamBg2—10 to 18 inches; silt loamBg3—18 to 29 inches; silt loamBC1—29 to 32 inches; silt loamBC2—32 to 41 inches; silt loam

Substratum:C1—41 to 45 inches; fine sandy loamC2—45 to 50 inches; loamC3—50 to 60 inches; very fine sandy loamC4—60 to 70 inches; fine sandy loam

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: very poorly drainedParent material: post glacial fine-silty alluviumPermeability: moderately slow to moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: highReaction: strongly acid to slightly alkalinePonding depth: 0 to 6 inches above surfaceDepth to high water table: 0 inches

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 4wHydrologic group: B/D

16 Soil Survey

Description of Atherton, poorly drained and similar soils


Surface layer:A—0 to 6 inches; loam

Subsoil layer:Bg1—6 to 12 inches; loamBg2—12 to 30 inches; loam

Substratum:2Cg1—30 to 40 inches; sandy clay loam2Cg2—40 to 60 inches; sandy clay loam

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: poorly drainedParent material: post glacial fine-silty alluviumPermeability: moderately slow to moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: moderateReaction: strongly acid to slightly alkalineDepth to high water table: 0 to 6 inches


Minor Components

• Very deep, somewhat poorly drained Aeric Endoaquepts, postglacial alluvium soils

CatbA—Catden mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes

Map Unit SettingSlope: nearly levelLandscape: till plainsLandform: depressions


Catden and similar soils: 85 percentMinor components: 15 percent

Description of Catden and similar soils


Surface layer:Oe—0 to 2 inches; mucky peatOa1—2 to 13 inches; muckOa2—13 to 20 inches; woody muckOa3—20 to 32 inches; muckOa4—32 to 60 inches; muck

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: very poorly drainedParent material: herbaceous and/or woody organic materialPermeability: moderately slow to moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: very high


Reaction: very strongly acid to neutralPonding depth: 0 to 12 inches above surfaceDepth to high water table: 0 inches


Minor Components

• Very deep, very poorly drained Alden soils• Very deep, very poorly drained Wallkill soils

ChkC—Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15percent slopes

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly level to strongly slopingLandscape: mountainsLandform: ground morainesSurface cover: 15 to 49 percent stones


Chatfield and similar soils: 45 percentHollis and similar soils: 30 percentRock outcrop and similar soils: 25 percent

Description of Chatfield and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialOa—1 to 3 inches; highly decomposed plant materialA—3 to 5 inches; cobbly loam

Subsoil layer:Bw1—5 to 10 inches; cobbly loamBw2—10 to 24 inches; cobbly sandy loamBC—24 to 30 inches; cobbly sandy loam


Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: coarse-loamy till derived from granite and gneissPermeability: moderate or moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: very strongly acid to moderately acidDepth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet


18 Soil Survey

Description of Hollis and similar soils



Subsoil layer:Bw1—6 to 8 inches; cobbly loamBw2—8 to 16 inches; gravelly sandy loam


Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: loamy till derived from granite and gneissPermeability: moderate or moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: very lowReaction: very strongly acid to moderately acidDepth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irr igated): 7sHydrologic group: D





ChkE—Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60percent slopes

Map Unit Setting

Slope: steep or very steepLandscape: mountainsLandform: ground morainesSurface cover: 15 to 49 percent stones


Chatfield and similar soils: 45 percentHollis and similar soils: 30 percentRock outcrop and similar soils: 20 percentMinor components: 5 percent


Description of Chatfield and similar soils



Subsoil layer:Bw1—5 to 10 inches; cobbly loamBw2—10 to 24 inches; cobbly sandy loamBC—24 to 30 inches; cobbly sandy loam


Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: coarse-loamy till derived from granite and gneissPermeability: moderate or moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: very strongly acid to moderately acidDepth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet


Description of Hollis and similar soils



Subsoil layer:Bw1—6 to 8 inches; cobbly loamBw2—8 to 16 inches; gravelly sandy loam


Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: loamy till derived from granite and gneissPermeability: moderate or moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: very lowReaction: very strongly acid to moderately acidDepth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet


20 Soil Survey



Properties and QualitiesDepth to Restrictive Feature: 0 inches to bedrock (lithic)


Minor Components

• Very deep, well drained Rockaway, thin fragipan soils

ChwBc—Chippewa silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes,extremely stony

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly level to gently slopingLandscape: drumlin fieldsLandform: interdrumlinsSurface cover: 3 to 14 percent stones


Chippewa and similar soils: 80 percentMinor components: 20 percent

Description of Chippewa and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 2 inches; slightly decomposed plant materialA—2 to 4 inches; silt loam

Subsurface layer:Eg—4 to 8 inches; silt loam

Subsoil layer:Bg—8 to 13 inches; silt loamBgx1—13 to 21 inches; silt loamBgx2—21 to 29 inches; silt loam

Substratum:Cg1—29 to 34 inches; silt loamCg2—34 to 60 inches; fine sandy loam

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: poorly drainedParent material: fine-loamy till derived from limestone, sandstone, and shalePermeability: very slow to moderateAvailable water capacity: very lowReaction: very strongly acid to moderately alkalineDepth to restrictive feature: 8 to 20 inches to fragipanPonding depth: 0 to 6 inches above surfaceDepth to high water table: 0 inches



Minor Components

• Deep, very poorly drained Alden soils• Deep, somewhat poorly drained Venango soils

CorA—Colonie loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly levelLandscape: river valleysLandform: outer terraces


Colonie and similar soils: 80 percentMinor components: 20 percent

Description of Colonie and similar soils


Surface layer:A—0 to 2 inches; loamy fine sandAp—2 to 11 inches; loamy fine sand

Subsurface layer:E—11 to 24 inches; fine sandE and Bt1—24 to 40 inches; fine sandE and Bt2—40 to 62 inches; fine sand

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: somewhat excessively drainedParent material: post glacial sandy alluvium and/or sandy Aeolian deposits and/or

glaciofluvial depositsPermeability: moderately rapid or rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: strongly acid to neutralDepth to high water table: greater than 6 feet

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 2sHydrologic group: A

Minor Components

• Very deep, well drained Delaware soils• Very deep, well drained Unadilla soils

CorB—Colonie loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes

Map Unit Setting

Slope: gently sloping

22 Soil Survey

Landscape: river valleysLandform: outer terraces


Colonie and similar soils: 80 percentMinor components: 20 percent

Description of Colonie and similar soils


Surface layer:A—0 to 2 inches; loamy fine sandAp—2 to 11 inches; loamy fine sand

Subsurface layer:E—11 to 24 inches; fine sandE and Bt1—24 to 40 inches; fine sandE and Bt2—40 to 62 inches; fine sand

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: somewhat excessively drainedParent material: post glacial sandy alluvium and/or sandy Aeolian deposits and/or

glaciofluvial depositsPermeability: moderately rapid or rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: strongly acid to neutralDepth to high water table: greater than 6 feet

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 2sHydrologic group: A

Minor Components

• Very deep, well drained Delaware soils• Very deep, well drained Unadilla soils

DefAr—Delaware fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes,rarely flooded

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly levelLandscape: river valleysLandform: terraces


Delaware and similar soils: 80 percentMinor components: 20 percent

Description of Delaware and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant material


Ap1—1 to 4 inches; fine sandy loamAp2—4 to 11 inches; fine sandy loam

Subsoil layer:Bw1—11 to 20 inches; fine sandy loamBw2—20 to 33 inches; fine sandy loamBC—33 to 41 inches; fine sandy loam

Substratum:C1—41 to 56 inches; fine sandy loamC2—56 to 60 inches; loam

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: post glacial coarse-loamy alluviumPermeability: moderately rapid or rapidAvailable water capacity: moderateReaction: strongly acid to slightly acidDepth to high water table: greater than 6 feetFlooding: very rare

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 1Hydrologic group: B

Minor Components

• Very deep, somewhat excessively drained Colonie soils• Very deep, well drained Unadilla soils

DefBr—Delaware fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes,rarely flooded

Map Unit Setting

Slope: gently slopingLandscape: river valleysLandform: terraces


Delaware and similar soils: 80 percentMinor components: 20 percent

Description of Delaware and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialAp1—1 to 4 inches; fine sandy loamAp2—4 to 11 inches; fine sandy loam

Subsoil layer:Bw1—11 to 20 inches; fine sandy loamBw2—20 to 33 inches; fine sandy loamBC—33 to 41 inches; fine sandy loam

24 Soil Survey

Substratum:C1—41 to 56 inches; fine sandy loamC2—56 to 60 inches; loam

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: post glacial coarse-loamy alluviumPermeability: moderately rapid or rapidAvailable water capacity: moderateReaction: strongly acid to slightly acidDepth to high water table: greater than 6 feetFlooding: very rare

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 2eHydrologic group: B

Minor Components

• Very deep, somewhat excessively drained Colonie soils• Very deep, well drained Unadilla soils

FaxC—Farmington-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percentslopes

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly level to strongly slopingLandscape: till plainsLandform: ground morainesSurface cover: 15 to 49 percent stones


Farmington and similar soils: 50 percentRock outcrop and similar soils: 40 percentMinor components: 10 percent

Description of Farmington and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialA—1 to 3 inches; silt loam

Subsoil layer:Bw1—3 to 9 inches; silt loamBw2—9 to 15 inches; silt loam


Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: loamy till derived from limestone and dolomitePermeability: moderate or moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: very low


Reaction: strongly acid to slightly alkalineDepth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet






Minor Components

• Moderately deep, well drained Galway soils

FdwB—Farmington-Wassaic-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to8 percent slopes

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly level to gently slopingLandscape: till plainsLandform: ground morainesSurface cover: 3 to 14 percent stones


Farmington and similar soils: 40 percentWassaic and similar soils: 30 percentRock outcrop and similar soils: 25 percentMinor components: 5 percent

Description of Farmington and similar soils



Subsoil layer:Bw1—3 to 9 inches; silt loamBw2—9 to 15 inches; silt loam


Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: loamy till derived from limestone and dolomitePermeability: moderate or moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: very low

26 Soil Survey

Reaction: strongly acid to slightly alkalineDepth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet


Description of Wassaic and similar soils

The typical sequence, depth, and composition of the layers of the soil are as follows—

Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialA—1 to 5 inches; loamE/A—5 to 9 inches; loamBt/E—9 to 17 inches; silty clay loam

Subsoil layer:Bt—17 to 28 inches; silty clay loam


Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: fine-loamy till derived from limestone and dolomitePermeability: moderateAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: moderately acid to neutralDepth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet






Minor Components

• Moderately deep, well drained Galway soils

FmhAs—Fluvaquents, loamy, 0 to 3 percent slopes,occasionally flooded

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly levelLandscape: river valleysLandform: flood plains



Fluvaquents and similar soils: 90 percentMinor components: 10 percent

Description of Fluvaquents and similar soils


Surface layer:A1—0 to 5 inches; silt loamA2—5 to 12 inches; silt loam

Substratum:C1—12 to 18 inches; sandy clay loamC2—18 to 24 inches; sandy clay loamC3—24 to 60 inches; sandy loam

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: somewhat poorly drained to very poorly drainedParent material: recent alluviumPermeability: moderate to rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: strongly acid to neutralDepth to high water table: 0 to 18 inchesFlooding: occasional


Minor Components

• Very deep, moderately well drained Udifluvents

FrdAb—Fredon-Halsey complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes,very stony

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly levelLandscape: outwash plainsLandform: drainagewaysSurface cover: 0.1 to 2 percent stones


Fredon and similar soils: 45 percentHalsey and similar soils: 40 percentMinor components: 15 percent

Description of Fredon and similar soils



28 Soil Survey

Subsoil layer:Bw1—8 to 14 inches; silt loamBw2—14 to 18 inches; loamBw3—18 to 23 inches; loam

Substratum:2C1—23 to 31 inches; extremely gravelly loamy coarse sand2C2—31 to 36 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand2C3—36 to 45 inches; very gravelly coarse sand2C4—45 to 55 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand2C5—55 to 60 inches; very gravelly coarse sand

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: somewhat poorly drainedParent material: glaciofluvial deposits derived from sandstone and/or limestone and

dolomite and/or granite and gneissPermeability: moderately slow to rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: strongly acid to moderately alkalineDepth to restrictive feature: 22 to 40 inches to strongly contrasting textural

stratificationDepth to high water table: 0 to 18 inches

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 3wHydrologic group: D

Description of Halsey and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialA1—1 to 5 inches; silt loamA2—5 to 11 inches; silt loam

Subsoil layer:Bg—11 to 20 inches; silt loam

Substratum:2Cg1—20 to 25 inches; loamy sand2Cg2—25 to 35 inches; very gravelly coarse sand2Cg3—35 to 49 inches; very gravelly coarse sand2Cg4—49 to 56 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand2Cg5—56 to 60 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: very poorly drainedParent material: glaciofluvial deposits derived from sandstone and/or limestone and

dolomite and/or granite and gneissPermeability: moderate to rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: strongly acid to moderately alkalineDepth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to strongly contrasting textural

stratificationPonding depth: 0 to 6 inches above surfaceDepth to high water table: 0 inches



Minor Components

• Deep, moderately well drained Hero soils

GawEh—Galway loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky

Map Unit Setting

Slope: steep or very steepLandscape: till plainsLandform: ridgesSurface cover: 15 to 49 percent stones


Galway and similar soils: 80 percentMinor components: 20 percent

Description of Galway and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 2 inches; slightly decomposed plant materialOe—2 to 3 inches; moderately decomposed plant materialA—3 to 5 inches; loam

Subsoil layer:Bw1—5 to 15 inches; gravelly loamBw2—15 to 24 inches; gravelly loam


Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: coarse-loamy till derived from limestone and dolomitePermeability: moderateAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: very strongly acid to slightly alkalineDepth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (lithic)Depth to high water table: greater than 6 feet


Minor Components

• Shallow, well drained Farmington soils• Rock outcrop• Deep, well drained Wallpack, aeolian mantle soils

30 Soil Survey

HdxAb—Hazen-Hoosic complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes,very stony

Map Unit Setting

Slope: nearly levelLandscape: outwash plainsLandform: valley trainsSurface cover: 0.1 to 2 percent stones


Hazen and similar soils: 50 percentHoosic and similar soils: 40 percentMinor components: 10 percent

Description of Hazen and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialAp—1 to 10 inches; loam

Subsoil layer:Bt—10 to 18 inches; sandy loam

Substratum:2C1—18 to 29 inches; very stony loamy coarse sand2C2—29 to 41 inches; very gravelly coarse sand2C3—41 to 60 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: glaciofluvial deposits derived from sandstone and shale and/or

limestone and dolomite and/or conglomeratePermeability: moderate to rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: moderately acid to slightly alkalineDepth to restrictive feature: 18 to 40 inches to strongly contrasting textural

stratificationDepth to high water table: greater than 6 feet

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 1Hydrologic group: B

Description of Hoosic and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialAp—1 to 9 inches; gravelly loam

Subsoil layer:Bw—9 to 21 inches; very gravelly coarse sandy loam


Substratum:2C1—21 to 27 inches; extremely gravelly loamy coarse sand2C2—27 to 37 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand2C3—37 to 49 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand2C4—49 to 60 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: somewhat excessively drainedParent material: glaciofluvial deposits derived from sandstone and shale and/or

conglomeratePermeability: moderately rapid to very rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: very strongly acid to moderately acidDepth to high water table: greater than 6 feet

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 2sHydrologic group: B

Minor Components

• Deep, moderately well drained Hero soils

HdxBb—Hazen-Hoosic complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes,very stony

Map Unit Setting

Slope: gently slopingLandscape: outwash plainsLandform: valley trainsSurface cover: 0.1 to 2 percent stones


Hazen and similar soils: 60 percentHoosic and similar soils: 35 percentMinor components: 5 percent

Description of Hazen and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialAp—1 to 10 inches; loam

Subsoil layer:Bt—10 to 18 inches; sandy loam

Substratum:2C1—18 to 29 inches; very stony loamy coarse sand2C2—29 to 41 inches; very gravelly coarse sand2C3—41 to 60 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand

Properties and QualitiesDrainage class: well drainedParent material: glaciofluvial deposits derived from sandstone and shale and/or

limestone and dolomite and/or conglomerate

32 Soil Survey

Permeability: moderate to rapidAvailable water capacity: lowReaction: moderately acid to slightly alkalineDepth to restrictive feature: 18 to 40 inches to strongly contrasting textural

stratificationDepth to high water table: greater than 6 feet

Interpretative GroupsLand capability classification (non-irrigated): 2eHydrologic group: B

Description of Hoosic and similar soils


Surface layer:Oi—0 to 1 inch; slightly decomposed plant materialAp—1 to 9 inches; gravelly loam

Subsoil layer:Bw—9 to 21 inches; very gravelly coarse sandy loam

Substratum:2C1—21 to 27 inches; extremely gravelly loamy coarse sand2C2—27 to 37 inches; extremely gravelly coarse sand2C3—37 to 49 inches; extreme

Documents

Soil Survey of Sussex County, New Jersey · The Sussex County Board of Commissioners provided financial assistance for the survey. Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed