Middlesex 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 Middlesex County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Boonton-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sassafras sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville-Urban land complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downer-Urban land complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pawcatuck-Transquaking complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atsion sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Humaquepts, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elkton loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boonton loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Galloway loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville channery loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haledon-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Psamments, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 80% 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.