Salem County Soil Data
Salem County, New Jersey
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Salem County, New Jersey
Acidic soil with high potential
Salem County features an average pH of 5.01, which is notably less acidic than the New Jersey average of 4.24 but still below the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the county achieves a soil score of 51.4, outperforming the state average of 46.5.
Sandy textures offer easy workability
The soil contains 50.0% sand and 35.0% silt, creating a gritty texture that offers rapid drainage. With only 11.4% clay, gardeners find the earth relatively easy to work, though it requires frequent moisture monitoring.
Above average water storage
At 10.14% organic matter, the soil is five times richer than the national average, even if it falls below the state average of 15.72%. Its available water capacity of 0.181 in/in exceeds the New Jersey norm, indicating strong growing potential for local crops.
Variable drainage for local plots
Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not currently recorded for this county. However, the balanced mineral composition suggests a moderate water movement profile that avoids extreme saturation.
Thriving in a mild climate
Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, Salem's mild winters support a wide variety of long-season vegetables and flowers. These conditions are ideal for establishing a productive home garden with early spring starts.
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 Salem County have?
Salem County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 50% sand, 35% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Salem County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Salem County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Salem County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Salem County.
What crops or plants grow well in Salem County's soil?
Based on Salem County's Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Salem County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Salem County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Salem 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.