Somerset County, New Jersey
The most common soil here is Penn, on about 18% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Klinesville and Neshaminy come next.
About 57% of the land drains well, and 23% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 34% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 73% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 34% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Somerset County, New Jersey, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| 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 |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% 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 94% 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.