Gloucester County, New Jersey
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Gloucester County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aura sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Downer loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Manahawkin muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, Northern Coastal Plain | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown-Glassboro complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freehold loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Downer sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, northern coastal plain | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aura-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Freehold-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents, loamy, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aura-Sassafras sandy loams, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Westphalia fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atsion sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sassafras sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, dredged coarse materials, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Freehold sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.