Union County Soil Data
Union County, New Jersey
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
3.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
13.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Union County, New Jersey
Classic New Jersey acidity levels
Union County records a pH of 3.67, falling below the state average of 4.24 and significantly lower than the national 6.5 median. Despite the acidity, the county maintains a respectable soil score of 48.0.
Loamy mix for urban gardening
The soil composition is nearly even between sand (30.7%) and silt (32.8%), with a low 10.5% clay presence. This mix ensures the soil is easy to till and doesn't become overly sticky or dense for home landscaping.
Nutrient-dense with high organic matter
At 13.23% organic matter, the soil is very close to the state average and far exceeds the 2.0% national benchmark. Its available water capacity of 0.175 in/in provides a stable reservoir for plant roots in suburban environments.
Steady water movement
Formal drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unlisted for the county. The balanced mineral ratios suggest decent permeability, though the high organic matter can hold significant moisture during wet months.
A long season for suburban plots
Nestled in Zone 7a, the climate allows for a long growing season that suits both ornamental flowers and edible plants. Dig in today to make the most of this nutrient-dense urban soil.
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 3.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Union County have?
Union County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 33% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Union County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Union County's soil has a low pH of 3.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Union County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Union County.
What crops or plants grow well in Union County's soil?
Based on Union County's Loam texture, pH of 3.7, 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 Union County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Union County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Union County
Soil Verdict
Union County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Union County closely matches the New Jersey average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Union 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.