Hunterdon County Soil Data
Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Classic Piedmont Acidity and Character
Hunterdon County soils maintain an average pH of 5.10, making them notably acidic compared to the national 6.5 median. Interestingly, these soils are less acidic than the typical New Jersey average of 4.24. This profile creates a versatile base for many agricultural applications common in the region.
The Silt-Dominant Loamy Mix
The soil composition is 47.2% silt, 33.7% sand, and 16.6% clay. This silty balance provides excellent workability and better nutrient retention than sandy coastal soils. It represents a productive middle ground for farmers who need both drainage and structure.
Reliable Water Storage for Crops
Organic matter stands at 3.57%, which is higher than the national 2.0% average but lower than the state’s 15.72% mark. The available water capacity is a robust 0.175 in/in, beating the state average of 0.168. This high water capacity makes the county particularly resilient against short-term droughts.
Predicting Field Hydrology
While official drainage classes are not currently specified in the dataset, the 16.6% clay content suggests moderate natural drainage. The silty texture typically allows for steady water infiltration without the rapid leaching seen in sandier counties. Proper field management ensures these soils remain productive through the seasons.
Prime Harvest Potential in Zone 7a
Hardiness Zone 7a allows Hunterdon residents to grow everything from apples and peaches to leafy greens. The silty soil is perfect for root vegetables that prefer a less-resistant medium than heavy clay. Now is the perfect time to plant a diverse vegetable patch or a fruit orchard.
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
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hunterdon County have?
Hunterdon County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 47% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hunterdon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hunterdon County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Hunterdon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hunterdon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hunterdon County's soil?
Based on Hunterdon County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Hunterdon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hunterdon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hunterdon 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.