Alachua County, Florida

Survey Area FL001• Florida

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Alachua County, Florida. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Pomona sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	57K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arredondo fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Millhopper sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	52K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Water	44K			Not rated	Not rated
Candler fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	25K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Sparr fine sand	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Newnan sand	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tavares sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	19K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lake fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	18K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Wauchula sand	18K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kendrick sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Monteocha loamy sand	16K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lochloosa fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bonneau fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chipley sand	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Jonesville-Cadillac-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lochloosa fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pomona sand, depressional	9K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pelham sand	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Blichton sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.