Bergen County Soil Data
Bergen County, New Jersey
Avg pH
4.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
8.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bergen County, New Jersey
Strong Acidity in Northern New Jersey
Bergen County soil is highly acidic, with a pH of 4.13 that falls just below the state average of 4.24. This level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime amendments for traditional lawn and garden projects.
A Balanced Blend of Sand and Silt
The soil is a balanced mix of 42.6% sand and 30.3% silt, offering a more stable structure than southern coastal counties. While clay is low at 8.3%, the silt content provides decent nutrient retention and fair workability for urban landscaping.
Moderate Fertility and Water Retention
Organic matter stands at 8.25%, which is over four times the national average of 2.0% but only about half the New Jersey state average. An available water capacity of 0.142 in/in suggests moderate drought resistance for local flora.
Well-Drained Landscapes for Easy Building
The county benefits from being primarily well-drained, which is ideal for both basement construction and residential gardening. While specific hydrologic group data is limited, the drainage class suggests that water moves through the soil profile efficiently.
Azaleas and Ornamentals Love This Zone
In hardiness zone 7b, Bergen residents can enjoy success with acid-loving ornamentals like azaleas and rhododendrons. This is a great environment to establish a perennial garden, provided you manage the naturally low pH levels.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bergen County have?
Bergen County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 30% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bergen County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bergen County's soil has a low pH of 4.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bergen County?
Bergen County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Bergen County's soil?
Based on Bergen County's Loam texture, pH of 4.1, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Bergen County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bergen County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bergen County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in New Jersey
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.