Ocean County, New Jersey
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Ocean County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downer loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 53K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lakehurst sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 50K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakewood sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 40K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Manahawkin muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, Northern Tidewater Area | 27K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atsion sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 24K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downer sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Evesboro sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Woodmansie sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Berryland sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Psammaquents, sulfidic substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Truitt-Southpoint complex, 1 to 2 meter water depth | 10K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Bestpitch-Boxiron complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodmansie sand, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pits, sand and gravel | 9K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Indian River sand, 0 to 1 meter water depth, flat | 8K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Berryland sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantoloking sand, 0 to 1 meter water depth, flat | 7K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Tingles-Figgs complex, 2 to 3 meter water depth | 7K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Hammonton loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cottman mucky fine sandy loam, 1 to 2 meter water depth | 6K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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
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.