NYC Soil Survey

The NYC Soil Survey is a pioneering study of urban soils, spanning a citywide reconnaissance soil map, a series of intensive soil surveys and special research projects. Study results are distributed via reports to the public, decision-makers and environmental managers. The survey is a cooperative effort of the US Dept. of Agriculture –Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cornell University and the District.

Citywide Initial Soil Map

The new initial soil map will provide a higher intensity scale and elaborate on the mapping and soil data provided by the reconnaissance soil map. The scale of mapping is 1:12,000 and provides a minimum-size map unit delineation of 1.43 acres (as opposed to 40 acres for the recon delineations). While the reconnaissance map still provides extremely useful general soils information for NYC users, the forthcoming initial mapping will supplement that with greater detail. Initial soil survey activities are currently in progress, and the final map and manuscript are scheduled for publishing in 2011.

Citywide Reconnaissance Soil Map

The reconnaissance soil map is the City's first standard soil survey and provides a scientific base for identifying areas for future intensive surveys. It includes some unique features; a higher level of analysis (at the soil series level), mapping at a smaller-than-usual scale (1:62,5000), and use of new soil series appropriate to urban needs. The soils map and an associated map of NYC geology will ultimately be available in a Geographic Information System format. The soil survey and map are available for download, on the right hand side of this page.

Intensive Surveys and Special Studies

Intensive soils surveys have been completed for South LaTourette Park on Staten Island (1:4,800), Central Park (1:4,800), and the Gateway National Recreation Area (1:6,000), covering units in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Sandy Hook in New Jersey.

The final intensive survey is the Bronx River Watershed in Bronx County (1:6,000). This survey is a collaborative effort among the District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the US Army Corps of Engineers, which has completed a feasibility study, and its co-sponsors, and the Bronx River Alliance. In addition to comprehensive soil and land mapping of the area, the BRW survey manuscript provides tabulated soil physical and chemical property data, detailed land use interpretation data, and contains information regarding the ongoing BRW infiltration study.

Special research projects under the aegis of the NYC Soil Survey have included Cornell University graduate theses on heavy metals in South LaTourette Park, and aquifer recharge in Brooklyn and Queens. The soil scientists have also accommodated special requests from agency and civic partners, as well as hosted a workshop for land managers in the City.