Somerset 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 Somerset County, New Jersey.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rowland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville channery loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn channery silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy-Mount Lucas silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Penn channery silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reaville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mount Lucas-Watchung silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Royce silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Birdsboro silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Norton loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parsippany silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raritan silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reaville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy-Mount Lucas silt loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lansdowne silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lansdowne silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucks silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dunellen sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.