Cape May County Soil Data
Cape May County, New Jersey
Avg pH
4.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
19.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cape May County, New Jersey
The State's Most Acidic Coastal Ground
Cape May County possesses very acidic soil with an average pH of 4.01. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and even falls below the New Jersey state average of 4.24.
Coastal Sands Meet Heavy Silt
The soil composition is 66.4% sand, providing the gritty texture characteristic of the state's southern peninsula. Silt at 20.6% helps provide some structure, but the overall mix is designed for quick drainage and high aeration.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Fertility is high here, with organic matter reaching 19.88%, which is nearly ten times the national average and well above the state average. An available water capacity of 0.145 in/in helps anchor this nutrient-rich environment for local flora.
Well-Drained Soil for Coastal Farming
Most of the county’s land is classified as well-drained, making it a reliable choice for diverse agricultural uses. This natural efficiency in moving water prevents the roots of most plants from becoming waterlogged in the coastal humidity.
A Haven for Salt-Tolerant Native Plants
Coastal zone 7b allows for a wide variety of plantings, especially salt-tolerant shrubs and native grasses. Start a garden this season to take advantage of some of the highest organic matter levels in the entire state.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cape May County have?
Cape May County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 66% sand, 21% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cape May County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cape May County's soil has a low pH of 4.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Cape May County?
Cape May 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 Cape May County's soil?
Based on Cape May County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.0, 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 Cape May County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cape May County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cape May 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.