Mercer County, New Jersey

Survey Area NJ021• New Jersey

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Mercer 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
Bucks silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Sassafras sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Othello silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, northern coastal plain	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mattapex and Bertie loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sassafras sandy loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Matapeake loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Urban land	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Glassboro and Woodstown sandy loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Quakertown silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Penn channery silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents, bedrock substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chalfont silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents, stratified substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Very limited
Water	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Readington and Abbottstown silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents, gravelly substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Very limited
Marsh, fresh water, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Bowmansville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Matapeake loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 77% 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.