Hunterdon County, New Jersey
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn channery silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn channery silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parker cobbly loam, 18 to 40 percent slopes, extremely stony | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chalfont silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parker cobbly loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rowland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville channery loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucks silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chalfont silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone and Parker soils, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pattenburg gravelly loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reaville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quakertown silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rough broken land, shale | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Califon gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pattenburg gravelly loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Penn-Bucks complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.