Somerset County Soil Data
Somerset County, New Jersey
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Somerset County, New Jersey
Silty soils near state averages
Somerset's soil maintains a pH of 5.10, standing out as less acidic than the state average of 4.24. This acidity level remains lower than the national median of 6.5, contributing to a total soil score of 46.0.
Finer textures hold more moisture
A high silt content of 47.2% combined with 16.2% clay gives this soil a smoother, finer texture than its neighbors. The 34.6% sand component ensures that the heavy silt remains workable rather than compacting too tightly.
Reliable moisture for garden beds
The organic matter content sits at 4.89%, which is lower than the high state average but still double the national average of 2.0%. Its water capacity of 0.175 in/in suggests the soil holds moisture better than the typical New Jersey plot.
Careful management of water flow
Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently cataloged for this region. The high silt and clay levels indicate that gardeners may need to manage water flow to prevent pooling during heavy rains.
Perfect for perennial gardens
Gardeners in Zone 7a can leverage this nutrient-retaining soil for robust perennial beds and summer crops. Start your backyard project now to take advantage of these favorable growing conditions.
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 Somerset County have?
Somerset County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 47% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Somerset County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Somerset 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 Somerset County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Somerset County.
What crops or plants grow well in Somerset County's soil?
Based on Somerset 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 Somerset County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Somerset County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Somerset 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.