Burlington County Soil Data
Burlington County, New Jersey
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Burlington County, New Jersey
Pine Barrens Chemistry in the Soil
Burlington County’s soil reflects the Pinelands' character with an average pH of 4.86. Although more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it is considerably less acidic than the New Jersey state average of 4.24.
Rapid Drainage Through Sandy Layers
With 68.4% sand content, the soil is light and easy to till but drains rapidly. The 10.3% clay component is slightly higher than many neighboring counties, providing a small boost to its ability to hold onto fertilizers.
Building Fertility in Sandy Ground
Organic matter is lower here at 4.43% compared to the state average of 15.72%, though it still exceeds the national average. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.128 in/in, this soil requires consistent organic inputs to maximize its potential.
Hydrologic Challenges in Low-Lying Areas
The dominant drainage is classified as subaqueous and the soil belongs to hydrologic group D, signaling high runoff potential when wet. These characteristics reflect the county's low-lying terrain and proximity to significant water systems.
Ideal for Blueberries and Sweet Corn
Hardiness zone 7b is perfect for Burlington's famous blueberries and sweet corn, which flourish in these lighter soils. Grab a spade and start your garden; this sandy terrain is famously easy to work even for beginners.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Subaqueous
Drainage class: Subaqueous
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Burlington County have?
Burlington County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 68% sand, 19% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Burlington County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Burlington County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Burlington County?
Burlington County has a dominant drainage class of "Subaqueous." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Burlington County's soil?
Based on Burlington County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, and Subaqueous, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Burlington County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Burlington County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Burlington 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.