Gloucester County Soil Data

Gloucester County, New Jersey

Avg pH

5.2

Texture

Sandy Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

10.2%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Gloucester County, New Jersey

Balanced pH in the Heart of Jersey

Gloucester County features a pH of 5.25, making it the least acidic soil among these eight counties. This level is nearly a full point higher than the state average of 4.24, providing a better start for many vegetables.

A Classic Loamy Agricultural Blend

The soil is composed of 63.9% sand and 23.4% silt, offering a texture that is highly valued for farming. This blend provides a great mix of aeration for root growth and enough silt to prevent water from draining too quickly.

Healthy Soil for Productive Orchards

Organic matter sits at a healthy 10.23%, five times the national average and providing a strong foundation for plant life. The available water capacity of 0.163 in/in is very close to the state average, offering consistent performance.

Reliable Performance for Diverse Planting

Although localized drainage data is limited, the soil score of 50.9 suggests that these soils are more productive than the state average. The texture profile indicates that water generally moves through the soil at a manageable rate for most uses.

Peach Orchards and Productive Gardens

In hardiness zone 7b, Gloucester is legendary for its peach orchards and vegetable farms. Take advantage of this relatively balanced pH and high organic matter to start your own fruit trees or backyard vegetable patch.

Soil Composition

Sandy Loam
Sand: 63.9%
Silt: 23.4%
Clay: 8.6%
Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.2pH
5.2467586260471
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Hydrologic group data not available.

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Sandy Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Gloucester County have?

Gloucester County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 64% sand, 23% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Gloucester County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Gloucester County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.

What is the drainage class for Gloucester County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Gloucester County.

What crops or plants grow well in Gloucester County's soil?

Based on Gloucester County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.2, and drainage class, 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 Gloucester County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Gloucester County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.