Salem 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 Salem County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 23K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Othello, Fallsington, and Trussum soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Transquaking peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pedricktown, Askecksy, and Mullica soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chillum silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Downer-Galestown complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Othello and Fallsington soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, northern coastal plain | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downer loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mannington-Nanticoke complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, dredged fine material, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alloway loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, northern coastal plain | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manahawkin muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, Northern Coastal Plain | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aura sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chicone silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharptown silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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
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.