Cumberland County, New Jersey
The most common soil here is Downer, on about 8% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Aura and Hammonton come next.
About 34% of the land drains well, and 23% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 23% of it.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 33% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% 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 Cumberland 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Cumberland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 106K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Berryland and Mullica soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Transquaking peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appoquinimink-Transquaking-Mispillion complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 10K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downer loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Manahawkin muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, Northern Coastal Plain | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evesboro sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Downer sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Aura gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Aura sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chillum silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Downer sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, northern coastal plain | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galloway loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matapeake silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Aura sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 5K | 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 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 66% 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.