Atlantic County, New Jersey

Survey Area NJ001• New Jersey

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Atlantic County, New Jersey. 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
Downer loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	58K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Transquaking peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded	41K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Atsion sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	29K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water, saline	27K			Not rated	Not rated
Galloway loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Manahawkin muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, Northern Tidewater Area	24K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mullica sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lakehurst sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Evesboro sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	15K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Hammonton loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	12K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sassafras sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Aura sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Berryland sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	12K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lakewood sand, 0 to 5 percent sand	10K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Sassafras sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Psammaquents, sulfidic substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	7K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Galloway loamy sand, clayey substratum, 0 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hammonton sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Pits, sand and gravel	4K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Aura loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	3K	Well drained	B	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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

About 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.