Cumberland County Soil Data
Cumberland County, New Jersey
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
15.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cumberland County, New Jersey
High-Performing Agricultural Soil
Cumberland County soil has an average pH of 4.87, which is more moderate than the New Jersey state average. With a soil score of 47.9, it slightly exceeds the state benchmark of 46.5 for overall agricultural potential.
Balanced Texture for Commercial Crops
The soil consists of 56.9% sand and 24.2% silt, creating a texture that balances workability with water retention. This ratio is more balanced than the sand-heavy soils found in some neighboring South Jersey counties.
Rich Organic Matter for Farming
Organic matter is strong at 15.17%, aligning closely with the state average and far exceeding the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.165 in/in provides reliable moisture for high-yield crops.
Superior Drainage for Efficient Farming
The county's soil is predominantly well-drained, which is a major asset for its massive vegetable farming industry. This class ensures that fields can be worked soon after rainfall, maintaining a steady agricultural rhythm.
The Garden Spot of the Garden State
Known as a primary agricultural hub, Cumberland’s zone 7b climate is perfect for tomatoes and asparagus. This high-scoring soil is ready for your next planting project, whether it’s a small raised bed or a larger farm plot.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cumberland County have?
Cumberland County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 24% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cumberland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cumberland 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 Cumberland County?
Cumberland 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 Cumberland County's soil?
Based on Cumberland County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Cumberland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cumberland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cumberland County
Soil Verdict
Cumberland County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Cumberland County closely matches the New Jersey average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cumberland 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.