Burlington County, New Jersey
The most common soil here is Atsion, on about 13% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Lakehurst and Lakewood come next.
About 38% of the land drains well, and 31% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 31% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 58% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Burlington 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Burlington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atsion sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 45K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakehurst sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakewood sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Downer loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Manahawkin muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, Northern Tidewater Area | 15K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodmansie sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents, sandy, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evesboro sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Galestown sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Atsion fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents, loamy, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakehurst sand, thick surface, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakewood sand, loamy substratum, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Freehold fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Holmdel fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakehurst fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atsion sand, loamy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Transquaking mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adelphia fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very 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 58% 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 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.