Atlantic County, New Jersey
The most common soil here is Downer, on about 12% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Transquaking and Atsion come next.
About 33% of the land drains well, and 40% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 46% of it.
USDA rates 81% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 25% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Atlantic County, New Jersey, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 |
| Water, saline | 45K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| 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 |
| 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 slopes | 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 | 8K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% 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 81% 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.