Somerset County, New Jersey

Survey Area NJ035• New Jersey

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

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.