Sussex County Soil Data
Sussex County, New Jersey
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
1.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
55.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sussex County, New Jersey
Highly acidic, high-scoring earth
Sussex County boasts a high soil score of 66.5, even though its 1.36 pH indicates extreme acidity compared to the 6.5 national median. This unique chemistry places it far below the New Jersey average pH of 4.24.
Balanced minerals for easy tilling
The earth is balanced between 30.8% sand and 34.2% silt, resulting in a versatile physical structure. With clay making up only 10.4% of the mix, the soil provides excellent workability for local farmers and home gardeners.
Exceptional organic richness
This soil is incredibly rich, containing 55.62% organic matter, which dwarfs the state average of 15.72%. The available water capacity of 0.274 in/in is among the highest in the state, promising exceptional nutrient storage.
Superior absorption and sponge-like capacity
While specific drainage class records are unavailable, the extremely high organic content suggests an absorbent profile. This composition helps mitigate erosion and supports consistent plant hydration through the seasons.
Hardy crops for northern heights
Hardiness Zone 6b brings colder winters to Sussex, making it perfect for cold-hardy crops and fruit trees. Utilize this high-fertility soil to build a thriving, productive garden this season.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 1.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sussex County have?
Sussex County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 34% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sussex County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sussex County's soil has a low pH of 1.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Sussex County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sussex County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sussex County's soil?
Based on Sussex County's Loam texture, pH of 1.4, 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 Sussex County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sussex County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Sussex County
Soil Verdict
Sussex County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Sussex County is somewhat cooler than the New Jersey statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sussex 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.