Atlantic County, New Jersey
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.