Mercer 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 Mercer County, New Jersey.
| 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 |
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.